Everything We Know About Magic Mike XXL

It should be no surprise that Magic Mike XXL, the sequel to the Channing Tatum all-male stripper flick, is quickly becoming one of the most anticipated films of 2015. Following the massive success of the first film -- it made $167 million worldwide on a $7 million budget -- talk of a stage musical version seemed like a possibility before it was confirmed that the studio was moving forward with a follow up. And now that production has finally begun on XXL installment, it's time to get all the facts straight.

Official Synopsis

According to Warner Bros., the studio producing the film:

Picking up the story three years after Mike (Channing Tatum) bowed out of the stripper life at the top of his game, Magic Mike XXL finds the remaining Kings of Tampa likewise ready to throw in the towel. But they want to do it their way: burning down the house in one last blowout performance in Myrtle Beach, and with legendary headliner Magic Mike sharing the spotlight with them. On the road to their final show, with whistle stops in Jacksonville and Savannah to renew old acquaintances and make new friends, Mike and the guys learn some new moves and shake off the past in surprising ways.

Who's Out?

The original cast included a round up of studded men, including Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Matt Bomer, Joe Manganiello, Adam Rodriguez, Kevin Nash, and Matthew McConaughey as Dallas. Following the film's release, the role earned McConaughey Oscar buzz but the actor has since moved on to the A-List with parts in True Detective, the Oscar-winning Dallas Buyers Club, and the upcoming Christopher Nolan sci-fi epic, Interstellar. Also not returning: Pettyfer. The actor has not been mentioned once since the sequel was confirmed.

As for the ladies of the cast -- the original included Cody Horn, Riley Keough, Wendi McLendon-Covey, and Olivia Munn -- none of them are slated to make a return appearance. While it's hardly upsetting that Horn is not returning -- she confirmed in an interview with Vanity Fair that she thankfully was not asked to come back -- it is a bit disappointing Munn will not be back for round two. She was easily the best female character in the testosterone-filled cast.

Who's In?

With all the female leads from the original gone, there are some heels to fill. Joining the cast in undisclosed roles are Elizabeth Banks, Amber Heard, Andie MacDowell, and Jada Pinkett Smith. As for filling McConaughey and Pettyfer's thongs, it's unclear if either role will be replaced but two men have joined the film: Community's Donald Glover and Michael Strahan. The Live! With Kelly and Michael co-host joked several times with Tatum about appearing in the movie and it looks like the studio took notice.

Crew Members

Even though Steven Soderbergh directed the first installment, he's not helming the sequel. The director has been quite busy since announcing his retirement in 2012. Soderbergh's longtime first assistant, Gregory Jacobs, is taking over directing duties. However, Soderbergh is still very much involved. He's working as the film's cinematographer, editor, and producer -- the former under his alias, Peter Andrews.

Location

Even though the first film largely took place at the Xquisite Strip Club in Tampa, the sequel is said to be a road trip film with much of the action happening in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Production

Production on the film officially began Aug. 31 with Soderbergh on set as the film's camera operator. Less than a month later, Tatum was seen on set back in his fully buff form. His co-stars Bomer and Manganiello later joined him on location.

Release Date
July 1, 2015. Prepare your Fourth of July weekend celebrations accordingly.