There's been several newcomers announced for the Magic Mike sequel, but there's still no official word on one of the film's original stars and whether or not he plans to take his clothes off in the next film.

Channing Tatum Wants Zac Efron & Chris Pratt For 'XXL?'

Alex Pettyfer, who portrayed the title character's (Channing Tatum) protégé in the first film, has not confirmed or denied his participation in Magic Mike: XXL - which began filming in Georgia and South Carolina - and many fans may wonder if his character will disappear similarly to Matthew McConaughey's Dallas and Cody Horn's Brooke.

Both McConaughey and Horn's exits have been confirmed, with the Oscar winning actor having several other commitments that have kept him from the project, while Horn admitted she wasn't in the sequel because there was simply no room for her character in the new storyline, which sees the guys embarking on a road trip to a stripper convention.

'Magic Mike: XXL' Will 'Surprise People?'

In their place, actresses Andie MacDowell, Amber Heard and Jada Pinkett Smith have all signed on to portray new characters in the film. Pettyfer however, is still only being referred to as a possible return for the film, with no official word on the status of his character.

It was reported earlier that Pettyfer wanted to be a part of the film, but was having a hard time convincing Tatum to let him be a part of the project, after he had a bad attitude while filming the original movie back in 2012.

"Alex is dying to reprise his role, but Channing is on the fence," a source told OK! Magazine in July. "It's going to take a lot of sucking up for Alex to get his part back."

The source also reportedly said that Tatum found the 24-year-old actor to be too cocky and difficult to work with.

OK! also reported on the fight between the two actors back in 2012, saying at the time that Tatum forbade Pettyfer from attending the cast's cover shoot for Entertainment Weekly.

"Those around them tried to mend their relationship, but Channing doesn't want anything to do with Alex," a source said at the time. "Channing said he didn't want to do [the shoot] if Alex was there. Alex is known in Hollywood for being rude and difficult."

In the meantime, fans of the movie are being given a chance of their own to appear as an extra in the film, with a contest that was announced via Tatum's Facebook page on September 19.

"We wanted to do this on the first Magic Mike, and we didn't get a chance to, we didn't have time. We do have time this time, so we're doing it for XXL," Tatum says in a video announcing the contest. "We're gonna hold a contest, and that contest is because we want to bring people into the Magic Mike experience and get a little up close and personal if you will. So, contest winners will get to come to set, take pictures with me and the boys, but more importantly, get to be an extra in the audience during these crazy dance numbers. And I can promise you, they are crazy this time."

Magic Mike: XXL opens in theaters July 1, 2015.

 

Post by Channing Tatum.

Tags: Magic Mike 2 Movies