No, ‘Step Up’ Wasn’t Channing Tatum’s First Movie
Channing Tatum is back on the big screen with his new film, The Lost City. Many who first saw the actor in Step Up might presume it was his first time on screen (if you don’t count the Ricky Martin “She Bangs” music video). However, he’s been acting longer than that. And his first film may surprise you.
Channing Tatum’s first movie was ‘Havoc’
In an interview with Wired, Sandra Bullock guessed that Channing Tatum’s first movie was Step Up. She was surprised when Tatum corrected her. Bullock admitted that, like most people, it was the first film she saw him in. But Tatum said the first film he played a role in was Havoc.
In the 2005 crime drama, Anne Hathaway is a wealthy teenager who ventures out into the seedier areas of Los Angeles, only to find she isn’t prepared for what’s out there. Tatum plays the small role of Nick alongside Hathaway, Mike Vogel (Sex/Life), Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and several others. Havoc was a low-budget film that didn’t even receive a U.S. theatrical release.
‘Step Up’ launched Tatum’s career
The next year, Tatum broke out in two films: Opposite Amanda Bynes in the romantic-comedy She’s the Man and in Step Up, the first of the dance franchise where he met his future ex-wife, Jenna Dewan.
Step Up was mentioned in a Reddit forum Tatum participated in ahead of the Magic Mike XXL premiere. Tatum answered questions from his fans, leading them to see he’s as funny as he seems to be in movies like 21 Jump Street.
A Reddit user asked, “How many times is too many times to see Step Up? I think I may have a problem.”
Tatum replied in a self-deprecating fashion. “I guess you need to see it as many times as it takes you to realize how bad my acting is in it,” he answered. But he did commend one aspect of his performance. “Fast forward to the dancing parts after that.”
Despite Tatum’s jokes that his acting wasn’t that great, it’s still one of his most popular films.
What else has Tatum starred in?
Tatum broke out in a big way back in 2006. However, he took on roles beyond the teen film genre, making his way to become a bonafide star across genres. With G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra, Tatum proved he had what it takes to be an action star.
As he branched out into comedy, romance, and dramas, Tatum also began producing. He had a landmark year in 2012, starring in the romantic drama The Vow, starring in and executive producing 21 Jump Street, and producing and starring in Magic Mike — the latter based on his own experiences as a stripper in Florida.
Overall, Tatum has maintained his varied career, even appearing in an Oscar-nominated film, Foxcatcher. With The Lost City, he took on a big-budget project that performed well enough in theaters to knock The Batman out of the number one slot.
Speaking of superhero franchises, don’t expect to see Tatum in one any time soon. His attempt at a Marvel project, Gambit, was shelved years ago in a move that still affects him to this day.
