Channing Tatum recently revealed that he had the opportunity to star in “Blue Valentine,” but he was too scared to take it on. The part went to Ryan Gosling instead, but Tatum was director Derek Cianfranceâs first choice.
The actor spoke about turning down the role while accepting an award for his performance in Cianfranceâs “Roofman” at the Toronto International Film Festival. “It was about 20 years ago that I did kind of one of my first real, I guess, acting roles, and Derek saw it and, and he believed in me, I think way before I ever believed in myself,â Tatum shared.
âAnd that was why I think I couldn’t go on that journey. I just ⦠I was just scared,â he continued. âI was absolutely terrified of that role specifically, and I didn’t go.â
Tatum Initially Forgot He’d Been Offered the Part
As reported by Variety, it was Tatum’s performance in 2006’s âA Guide to Recognizing Your Saints,â that caught the eye of Cianfrance. âHeâs got this physicality â this body that can tell stories,” the director explained.
But Tatum wasn’t ready to take on “Blue Valentine,” a heartbreaking love story that delves deep into the emotional turmoil between a married couple, played by Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams. âWhen I really look back on that moment, I was scared of it, because I hadnât really lived it,” the “Magic Mike” actor revealed.
He also shared that he initially didn’t remember having been offered the role, but had an explanation for that. âI think I blocked it out because I probably, on some level, regret it,â he said.
Channing Tatum Praised Gosling’s Performance in the Film
After turning down “Blue Valentine,” which premiered in 2010, Tatum went on to appear in lighter fare such as “Magic Mike” and “21 Jump Street.” Both films showcased Tatum’s ability as a comedic actor, and he showed his range again in the 2014 dark drama “Foxcatcher.”
While Tatum didn’t feel he had the chops to take on the heavy themes of “Blue Valentine,” he also expressed that maybe it just simply wasn’t meant for him. “I wish I would have done it, but I think Ryan killed that,” the actor told CBC News.
“I don’t spiritually think that one was mine,” he continued.
But Tatum was happy to get the chance to work with Cianfrance in “Roofman,” which is based on the true story of an escaped convict hiding out in a Toys “R” Us store. “I think we just kind of fell in love with each other in like I think a creative-minded way,” Tatum said of his dynamic with Cianfrance.
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