Steven Soderbergh, the director who will never retire, is working on developing a new film with actor Channing Tatum about a male stripper and his protege called Magic Mike.

Channing Tatum Naughty Stripper Past (Photos, Stripping Video)

Soderbergh keeps saying he’ll retire soon, but honestly, who can turn down a movie with an actor like Channing Tatum playing a stripper? Oh, and I guess you should know that before Tatum became an actor, he actually was a stripper in real life.

Jenna Dewan Tatum Bares Exotic Skin For PETA

The movie is based off a true story, and Tatum is excited to tackle it. He said in a statement:

“This was a wild and pivotal time in my life and I couldn’t be more thrilled to go down the rabbit hole with Steven.”

Director Soderbergh seems just as excited as his stripper star:

“When Channing talked to me about this, I thought it was one of the best ideas I’d ever heard for a movie. I said I wanted in immediately. It’s sexy, funny and shocking. We’re using Saturday Night Fever as our model, so hopefully we’re on the right track.”

Ummmm….needless to say, I’ll be seeing this film.

[image: WENN]

Actor Channing Tatum has a secret past as a stripper! GASP! The G.I. Joe star used to perform under the alias “Chan Crawford” in a strict no-nudity strip club called Male Encounter back in 1999 (watch Channing’s stripping video below).

The owner of the club, London Steele, says Channing acted a bit shy at first but really knew how to work the stage ending up as one of his best strippers. “He was shy at first, but he really knew how to work the stage. The women went crazy for him!”

Channing earned $50 per night plus tips while he was performing as a stripper at Male Encounter for a year. I don’t get it. I don’t know what women see in this guy – he is cute but that’s it! OK, Chan Crawford knows how to move no doubt!

The 29 year-old is now a successful actor and a married man. Channing and his “Step Up” costar Jenna Dewan tied the knot last month (July 11).

Channing Tatum Stripping Photos + Video Below go on reading »

Channing Tatum can be seen in the new box office film Step Up.  The film is about a troubled teen who ends up doing community service at a local arts school. Tatum plays Tyler Gage, the angered teen, who happens to be a gifted street dancer.  His talent draws the attention of Nora.  The passion and chemistry between the two is intense both on stage and off. 

Tatum was born April 26, 1980 just outside of Birmingham, Alabama and grew up in Mississippi on the Mississippi river.  A talented football player, he earned a full athletic scholarship to college in West Virginia.

Coach Carter, She’s the Man, and Havoc are other films Tatum has appeared in.

Tatum appears in Ricky Martin’s She Bangs music video.  He got his start as a male fashion model.  He has done ads for Abercrombie and Fitch, Nautica, American Eagle Outfitters and Emporio Armani.  He has also appeared in Vogue, Citizen K and Contents.  His TV ads include Pepsi, A.E. and Mountain Dew.