'Magic Mike XXL' Release Date: Channing Tatum And Gang Begin Filming Production

Cinematographer Steven Soderbergh officially inaugurated the production of the “Magic Mike” sequel, “Magic Mike XXL” via Twitter saying, “It’s ON!” this past Labor Day. While everyone else was enjoying what was left of the summer, Channing Tatum and co reunited and got to work. There were rumors that Soderbergh wasn’t coming back for the film, which he cleared up by telling 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." He will in fact be the director of photography, camera operator and film editor. Instead, Gregory Jacobs, who was Soderbegh’s assistant director for the first flick, will be directing.

The cast is super excited to be back on set as Matt Bomer told Ellen DeGeneres, "Only the best of the best make it. It's a strip-off to the death. It is a stripper convention – I can imagine if you lock those doors, things can get a little rowdy,” and lead, Channing Tatum told MTV "We want there to be a s*** ton of fun. A s*** ton of ridiculous stuff that you would never see in a movie, on the face of the earth, ever again." Apparently the viewers aren't the only ones who have fun watching the film; sounds like the guys have a blast while baring their gorgeous bods for screaming fans (and extras.)

The stripper fest will bring the magic back to theatres next summer on July 15, 2015, and we sure are hoping to get many visual updates via social media to make the wait easier.