'Magic Mike 3' Is Headed For A New Kind Of Stage

Be still, my beating heart. Once again, Magic Mike is back on my radar and boy, how I've missed thee. The word on the street is that yes, a Magic Mike 3 will be happening but no, it's not happening in movie theaters. Say what? Do you mean to tell me I won't be able to spend my hard-earned single dollar bills at the local cineplex to once again ogle Channing Tatum's perfectly chiseled abs, swoon hard and nearly pass out all in the name of the feminist gaze for a third time? This is preposterous. What's a girl to do when there's a chance to once again see the Kings of Tampa but not is a method to which she is accustomed?

It looks like it's time to start saving on a bigger scale, ladies. Magic Mike 3 will be taking the shape of some big stage shows, complete with musical numbers, top talent and, of course, plenty of live male entertainment. Basically this is a dream come true. Those abs will literally be jumping off the stage and, as I type these words, I can feel my pulse starting to quicken. And who do we get to thank for all this actual magic coming to actual stages? Channing Tatum, of course.

Tatum discussed the possibilities for Magic Mike 3 taking shape as a stage show at Cannes Lions. During his interview, Tatum stated:

"The third installment will be the show, and I think it has to evolve past these guys. The first one was about Mike, the second one was about the guys and I think the third one is really about man and woman having a conversation about sex and themselves and who we all are. That’s the next step I would like to take with the story."

Naturally, this kind of direction is perfect for the stage. Magic Mike XXL has already brought to life two very salient aspects of musical theater: choreographed routines designed to entice audiences and the incorporation of live musical performances in between numbers. What's better than expanding your franchise into the performative space that is arguably more interactive than how you experienced it in the first place? Hello, this is a sign from above. Magic Mike 3 is totally meant to take on a new life on Broadway and/or Las Vegas. What's even cooler is that it appears the shows in Las Vegas and on Broadway will be two separate shows with the option of a crossover. While the Vegas show has yet to get underway, Tatum hinted that the Broadway show was already well on its way in the pre-production process.

So, essentially, there will be a gloriously expanded Magic Mike universe which will still retain its sexy male entertainer energy while probably adding in some sweet musical numbers. I mean, is this real life? Is this happening? The next step is to start announcing premiere dates and where I can purchase my tickets because honey, Magic Mike 3 can't happen soon enough.

Images: Movieclips Trailers/Youtube; Giphy (2)