Channing Tatum is currently facing challenges due to a leg injury he sustained while filming “Avengers: Doomsday” in London. The actor, known for his athleticism and dynamic performances, walked into our lunch meeting with a noticeable limp. He humorously remarked, “We’d probably be bowling or something if I wasn’t like this,” highlighting how his injury has impacted his ability to engage in strenuous activities. For the duration of the production so far, Tatum has had to rely on his stunt double for the more physically demanding scenes, while he focuses on close-ups.
Today, Tatum shared that he decided to take a break from his pain medication to ensure he wouldn’t doze off during our conversation. He candidly explained, “My body doesn’t do well with codeine — and those painkillers the U.K. docs gave me were strong.” With intensive physical therapy ahead and a rigorous filming schedule for “Avengers,” set to release in 2026, Tatum expressed his determination to overcome this setback.
The injury serves as a stark reminder that even a leading man like Tatum is not immune to the fragility of the human body. At 45, he admits, “I just hate getting old.” Despite his age, Tatum possesses a youthful demeanor that evokes memories of his iconic roles in films such as “G.I. Joe” and “Magic Mike.” He feels younger than his actual age, stating, “In my mind, I’m literally still 30 years old — 26, if I’m honest.” This youthful spirit is evident in his latest film, “Roofman,” which is set to be released on October 10.
In “Roofman,” Tatum takes on the role of real-life master criminal Jeffrey Manchester. In a captivating true story, Manchester famously broke out of prison in 2004 while serving time for robbing McDonald’s franchises to support his daughter. He cleverly hid in a Toys R Us store in Charlotte, North Carolina, living a double life by day and starting a romance with a local woman played by Kirsten Dunst. Tatum’s character resides in a makeshift dorm room behind a wall during the day and emerges at night when the store closes.
What makes this film particularly intriguing is the production’s decision to refurbish an actual abandoned Toys R Us, which had closed after the chain filed for bankruptcy in 2017. Tatum dives into the character with an energy that captures both the frenetic and soulful elements of Manchester’s life. This film’s playful yet hard-to-pin-down tone is reminiscent of classic studio filmmaking, suggesting a potential crowd-pleaser akin to “Thelma & Louise.”
Tatum’s confidence in taking on this role stems from his successful return to the screen after a four-year hiatus. His previous projects, “Dog,” which he co-directed, and the comedy “The Lost City,” proved that he could still draw audiences to theaters as the industry rebounds from the impacts of COVID-19. Reflecting on his career, Tatum noted, “A lot of people leave and nobody cares. It’s not like the industry says, ‘Oh, no, we’ve got to stop making movies.’”
Prior to his break, Tatum experienced a career crossroads, where he felt pigeonholed into specific roles. “I was working too much. I got burned out,” he recalled. His collaboration with director Derek Cianfrance on “Roofman” marks a new chapter in both their careers. Cianfrance, who gained acclaim for his work on films like “Blue Valentine,” had also taken a break before becoming inspired by Manchester’s story.
The dynamic between Cianfrance and Tatum is palpable, as both sought to redefine their careers through this project. In Prospect Park, Cianfrance vividly remembers the excitement Tatum exuded when he pitched the film. Their chemistry is rooted in a shared desire to explore deeper emotional narratives, moving past the confines of commercial success.
Reflecting on their past, Cianfrance revealed that he had initially considered Tatum for a role in “Blue Valentine,” which would have changed the trajectory of both their careers. Tatum’s breakout role in “A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints” caught Cianfrance’s attention, and he recognized Tatum’s unique physicality and storytelling ability. The evolution of their professional relationship has led to this new project, which neither of them could have tackled in the earlier stages of their careers.
Tatum’s preparation for the role required a significant physical transformation. He faced the challenge of shedding weight to convincingly portray a wiry character who infiltrates buildings. Cianfrance was impressed when Tatum showed up 65 pounds lighter than expected. Tatum acknowledged that preparing for roles has become more challenging as he ages, but he remains committed to immersing himself fully in his characters.
The spontaneous nature of the production, with Cianfrance allowing actors freedom to explore their roles, was refreshing for Tatum. “I think about it as an aquarium,” Cianfrance explained, emphasizing the importance of genuine interactions and experiences in shaping performances. This method culminated in scenes that showcased Tatum’s fearlessness, such as a comedic sequence where he had to escape an intruder while nude.
As Tatum prepares for his role in “Avengers: Doomsday,” he is also reflecting on the state of the film industry. With streaming services altering the landscape, he has expressed concerns about the future of theatrical releases. “This whole thing is upside down right now,” he noted, pointing out the challenges faced by filmmakers striving to create meaningful content.
Despite the uncertainties, Tatum is optimistic about his upcoming projects. He aims to balance blockbuster roles with opportunities to collaborate with talented filmmakers on unique stories. “I keep saying it. I’m going to do a 10-year run,” he said, envisioning a future filled with diverse and meaningful roles that allow him to flex his creative muscles.
Ultimately, Channing Tatum’s journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability. As he navigates the complexities of aging, injury, and the film industry, he remains committed to bringing authentic characters to life, driven by his passion for storytelling. Whether it’s through his portrayal of Jeffrey Manchester or his upcoming roles in the Marvel universe, Tatum continues to capture the hearts of audiences worldwide.
