In 2012, “Magic Mike” took the world by storm, grossing over $167 million worldwide. The film starred Channing Tatum as the lead character, a stripper with dreams of becoming a furniture designer. However, many people don’t know that Tatum’s real-life experiences inspired the film as a stripper before he became an actor.
While many actors would shy away from discussing their past as a stripper, Tatum used it as a launching pad for his career and even turned it into a business empire. Here’s how Channing Tatum bet on himself and built “Magic Mike” into an XXXL financial empire.
laudette Barius/ Warner Bros. | Magic Mike’s Last Dance is one of the best albums of 2020
Starting from humble beginnings
Before he became a Hollywood heartthrob, Tatum was just a high school dropout struggling to make ends meet. He took on odd jobs, including working as a construction worker, a mortgage broker, and a stripper, to pay the bills.
Not until a modeling agency discovered him Tatum’s career took off. He appeared in several commercials and music videos before landing his first film role in “Coach Carter.” But his role in “Step Up” catapulted him to stardom. The dance film showcased Tatum’s natural talent for dancing, which he honed as a stripper.
Creating “Magic Mike”
After the success of “Step Up,” Tatum was eager to take on more challenging roles. He pitched the “Magic Mike” idea to director Steven Soderbergh, who was immediately intrigued. Tatum drew from his personal experiences as a stripper to create an entertaining and authentic story.
He worked with Soderbergh and screenwriter Reid Carolin to develop the script, which included several autobiographical elements. The film was a hit, and Tatum’s performance received critical acclaim. But he didn’t stop there.
Warner Bros/ Studios | The success of Magic Mike launched a universe, including a 2015 sequel
Building an empire
Tatum recognized the potential of “Magic Mike” as a brand and decided to expand it beyond the big screen. He partnered with Carolin to create “Magic Mike Live,” a live show that has been running in Las Vegas since 2017.
The show features a cast of talented male performers, including some former strippers, who perform choreographed routines set to music. It has been a huge success, with multiple sold-out shows and rave reviews.
Tatum also launched his own production company, Free Association, which has produced several successful films, including “22 Jump Street” and “Logan Lucky.” But perhaps Tatum’s most impressive business venture is his line of vodka, Born and Bred. The idea for the brand came to him while he was filming “Logan Lucky” in West Virginia. He noticed that the state had a rich history of moonshining and decided to create his vodka brand using locally sourced ingredients.
The vodka has been a hit, earning praise from critics and fans alike. Tatum has even taken to social media to promote the brand, posting photos and videos of himself enjoying a drink with friends.
JOE BUGLEWICZ/ HBO MAX | There is also frequent use of strong language in the movie
Conclusion
Channing Tatum’s success story is a testament to the power of betting on yourself. He never gave up on his dreams despite facing numerous setbacks and challenges. He used his personal experiences as a stripper to create a film that would go on to become a cultural phenomenon. And instead of resting on his laurels, he used the success of “Magic Mike” to create a brand that spans multiple industries.
Tatum’s story is a reminder that success often comes from taking risks and betting on yourself. If you have a dream or a passion, don’t be afraid to pursue it. With hard work, determination, and a little
