We can’t wait to see Channing Tatum (“Logan Lucky“) in his third “Magic Mike” movie opposite Salma Hayek, and he’s also getting ready to make a big comeback to the action genre in the near future. A developing film package announced by Deadline that is going on the auction block will see Tatum team up with director David Leitch (“Bullet Train“) and longtime “X-Men” screenwriter/producer Simon Kinberg (“Mr. & Mrs. Smith“). The film is based on an original pitch by Kinberg and is said to be a spy thriller that will be a “new spin” on the James Bond franchise, which likely means we’ll also be getting action set pieces.
The trio will produce the spy flick alongside Leitch’s longtime partner Kelly McCormick at 87 North. A home has yet to be found but given the names attached to “Red Shirt,” it likely won’t take too long before the project ends up gobbled up over the Thanksgiving holiday. It’s mentioned in the report that multiple studios are already interested.
Leitch co-directed the original “John Wick” and since then has branched out with a solo career with action pics such as “Atomic Blonde,” “Hobbs & Shaw,” “Deadpool 2,” and is about to begin production on “The Fall Guy” with Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt set for lead roles.
Tatum has been taking sort of a step back concerning leading action projects after things like “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra,” the “Jump Street” movies, and “White House Down.” The actor tried for ages to get “X-Men” spinoff film “Gambit” going at 20th Century Fox until the merger with Disney ultimately killed it. Since then, he’s been attached to smaller-scale projects, had cameos in “Bullet Train” and “Free Guy,” and co-starred with Sandra Bullock in the rom-com “The Lost City.”
You’ll be able to see Tatum and director Steven Soderbergh reunite for “Magic Mike’s Last Dance” on February 10, 2023.