We knew the ladies loved Channing Tatum, especially shirtless gyrating Channing Tatum, but few would have expected them to stuff Magic Mike with 167 million dollar bills. With that kind of money, a sequel has been talked about with Tatum possibly taking over as director of the stripper dramedy. But it looks like that job will go to someone else familiar with the budding franchise.
The Playlist has learned that Greg Jacobs will direct the sequel, with the title revealed as Magic Mike XXL. Jacobs has close ties to the prior film, serving as producer and first AD. He's worked for much of his career with Steven Soderbergh, who also produced Magic Mike. He also directed Criminal and the little-seen Emily Blunt horror, Wind Chill.
As for the story, we've heard previously that it would be more of a road trip movie with Tatum again using his early stripping career as the basis. It's unclear who from the original cast will return, but one who definitely expects to be back as Joe Manganiello, who played *ahem* Big Dick Richie. Talking with Collider, Manganiello said that plans are for filming to begin later in the fall...
Manganiello: “Yeah, it’s gonna happen this fall. I think they’re going to announce it soon. It’s crazy. I didn’t think that would be my first franchise. I never thought that would ever be the direction of my career. But that said, it’s just proof that I don’t know best, all the time. It was the most fun I’ve ever had, and I can’t wait to get back in and mix it up with those guys.”
