‘Magic Mike XXL’ Begins Filming

Gregory Jacobs’ Magic Mike XXL has officially begun production, which means Channing Tatum and company will soon be back on the big screen.

Steven Soderbergh, who helmed the previous male stripper  installment starring Tatum and Matthew McConaughey, Tweeted a photo of the sequel’s clapperboard on Sunday, writing, “It’s ON!” Although he has passed on directing duties to Jacobs, Soderbergh is still very much involved, and has signed on as XXL’s director of photography, camera operator and film editor.

“I want to be there, but I don’t want to be the director,” said Soderbergh to GQ. “I want to be a part of it. I want to be in the band, but I just don’t want to be the frontman this time.”

The dancing sequel, co-written by Reid Carolin and lead star Channing Tatum, will center around Xquisite’s ragtag group of male dancers as they road-trip to the country’s most prestigious stripper convention.

Alongside Tatum, Joe Manganiello is the only star to openly confirm that he will reprise his role. Matt Bomer, Alex Pettyfer and Matthew McConaughey are all rumored to star in the film, however nothing has been officially set.

Magic Mike XXL will hit theaters July 1, 2015.