Honestly, if you looked at Channing Tatum’s career a decade ago, you probably saw the guy from Step Up or the heartthrob who could carry a romantic drama without breaking a sweat. He was the "Magic Mike" guy. He was the "21 Jump Street" guy. But lately? Something has shifted. Channing Tatum recent movies aren't just about the abs or the dance moves anymore; they’re about a guy who finally realized he’s one of the most versatile character actors we’ve got, even if he still looks like a leading man.
He's in this weird, wonderful pocket of his career where he's jumping from playing a terrifying tech billionaire to a real-life "toy store" bandit, and honestly, it’s working.
The Pivot to Darker Waters: Blink Twice and Fly Me to the Moon
In 2024, we saw Tatum do something he’s rarely done: play someone truly unlikable. In Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut, Blink Twice, he plays Slater King. He’s a tech mogul who seems charming—if a bit "apology-tour" coded—but hides a layer of psychopathy that honestly gave me the creeps. He told Total Film that it was the first time he’d ever played someone he couldn't find a personal connection to. He had to create something pretty dark in his head to inhabit Slater, and it shows. The movie didn't light the box office on fire, pulling in about $48 million worldwide, but it became a massive hit on streaming platforms like Prime Video.
Then there was Fly Me to the Moon.
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It was a total vibe shift. Partnering with Scarlett Johansson, Tatum played Cole Davis, a NASA launch director during the 1960s space race. It was a high-budget ($100 million) romantic dramedy that unfortunately stumbled at the box office, making only around $38 million. Critics were split, but audiences who actually saw it seemed to love the chemistry. It felt like an old-school Hollywood movie that maybe didn't fit the "blockbuster or bust" mold of 2024, but it showed he can still hold that traditional leading-man space when he wants to.
Why 2025 Belonged to Roofman
If you haven't seen Roofman yet, you’re missing what many critics are calling his career-best performance. Released in late 2025, this film saw Tatum teaming up with director Derek Cianfrance—the guy behind Blue Valentine.
Tatum plays Jeffrey Manchester, a real-life guy who escaped prison and lived inside a Toys “R” Us for months. He’d break into other businesses by cutting holes in their roofs (hence the name). It’s a "true-crime caper" that manages to be heartbreakingly sad and weirdly funny at the same time. Tatum leans into his natural "likability" to make you root for a criminal who’s basically a big kid hiding in a toy store.
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The film premiered at TIFF in September 2025 and hit theaters in October. While its box office was modest—around $34 million—it absolutely exploded on Paramount+ by January 2026. It actually knocked a major Colleen Hoover adaptation off the top of the charts. There's a specific "dancer-like precision" to how he moves in this role that reminds you he’s still that guy from Step Up, just with a lot more emotional baggage.
The Gambit Resurrection and 2026
We have to talk about the card-throwing mutant in the room. For over a decade, Tatum tried to get a Gambit movie made. It was his passion project that got stuck in development hell at Fox and then died when Disney bought the studio.
Then came Deadpool & Wolverine in 2024.
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That cameo as Remy LeBeau (Gambit) wasn't just a throwaway joke; it was a cultural moment. His viral line, "Woo, I'm about to make a name for myself here," became a meme instantly. But it wasn't just a one-off. Because of the massive fan response, Tatum is officially set to reprise the role in Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for late 2026.
It feels like a long-overdue victory lap. He's finally getting to play the character he’s been "grafted to" for fifteen years.
What’s Coming Next?
As we move through 2026, keep an eye out for Josephine. It’s a thriller-drama directed by Beth de Araújo that just premiered at Sundance in January. Tatum plays a character named Damien, and it’s a far cry from the Marvel Multiverse. It’s about an eight-year-old girl who witnesses a brutal assault, and it sounds like a heavy, San Francisco-set drama that will continue Tatum's streak of choosing "prestige" projects over easy paychecks.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Viewers
- Watch Roofman on Paramount+: If you want to see Tatum actually act—not just be "Channing Tatum"—this is the one. It’s the perfect blend of his physical comedy and dramatic depth.
- Don't Sleep on Blink Twice: If you missed it in theaters, find it on Prime Video. It’s a rare chance to see him play a genuine villain, and his "apology" scene is masterfully uncomfortable.
- Keep an Eye on the Marvel Timeline: With Avengers: Doomsday on the horizon for December 2026, expect the Gambit hype to hit a fever pitch by the end of this year.
- Check Out His Producer Credits: Tatum produced Blink Twice and Roofman through his company, Free Association. If you like the "vibe" of these movies, he likely had a hand in the creative direction beyond just showing up on set.
Channing Tatum has basically stopped trying to be the "next" anyone and settled into being the best version of himself. He’s taking risks, playing weirdos, and finally getting to throw those kinetic playing cards. It's a good time to be a fan.