In a roundtable conversation of Steven Soderbergh and Zoe Kravitz about their film KIMI The director discussed the anticipated third installment in the Magic Mike story, titled Magic Mike's Last Dance . Soderbergh also discussed encouraging Channing Tatum to carry on the story. The film is in part in part, inspired by Tatum's previous work as stripper in Tampa, Florida.
Soderbergh produced Magic Mike, which was released in 2012. It was a big popular with critics and viewers, who not only praised the sexy appeal and dance sequences but also the script, direction and performances. Tatum appeared alongside Alex Pettyfer, Matt Bomer, Joe Manganiello, and Matthew McConaughey. Magic Mike's Last Dance movie and Manganiello were also back along with Tatum for the sequel to Magic Mike XXL, this time directed by Gregory Jacobs, who was the first assistant director on the first film. The sequel was a huge great success, both financially and critically.
In the days when Magic Mike was still just one idea among many concepts, Soderbergh remembers pointing to it as the project Tatum should focus on. He explained that when Tatum presented the concept on the set of Haywire the idea immediately got his interest. When the story was finished, Soderbergh was eager to get on board to make the concept become a realisation.
With a third movie on the way, announced in November titled Magic Mike's Last Dance , Soderbergh gave us a little preview of what we can expect when the film's final scene airs. He explained that while he was sure that about the Magic Mike concept would be successful, he did not think that Tatum was looking to expand the universe of the film to a wider area, one that dealt with masculinity, relationships and respect, which expanded in the second movie.
"The third movie is kind of the apex of everything we've been discussing in this particular space. It's not just about taking the dance to another level, but really exploring the aspect of relationships that has been a major theme in every film. Mike has a relationship that's central to this movie, while the rest happens. This is the first time we've done it."
While Last Dance could very well be Mike Lane's last dance, Soderbergh's return to the series is a thrilling development. After the XXL sequel, we've reached the top of the mountain, but there's more to be revealed about Mike's journey.