Hollywood Popular Artists

Apr 19th 2012, 16:54

Much to the delight of women and gay men everywhere, the first trailer for Channing Tatum's semi-autobiographical stripper movie "Magic Mike" has hit the web, giving eager squeers their first eyeful of Tatum's sick stripper moves. (I'd definitely keep a few extra twenties in my purse if I knew Tatum was coming over...) But one thing we didn't see a whole lot of was co-star Alex Pettyfer.

To be fair, Tatum does play the film's titular character, but when news of Pettyfer's casting made the rounds last year, it sounded as though his protege character, The Kid — loosely based on Tatum — would be the focus of the film.

Whether the flick truly is a Pettyfer vehicle remains to be seen, but from a marketing standpoint it's sound business for Warner Bros. to position Tatum as the star. The 31-year-old is coming off a big 2011 in which he starred in no fewer than five movies. He's already flexed considerable box office muscle in the early months of 2012 with the romantic drama "The Vow" and the high-school comedy "21 Jump Street." Tatum is a proven performer... unlike his young co-star.

Pettyfer's had a tough time establishing himself as a bankable leading man, with the under-performing "I Am Number Four" his highest-profile pic to date. Then there are always those pesky prima donna rumors that seem to follow him, tarnishing a bit of his golden gleam. Will "Magic Mike" be the project that sets Alex Pettyfer on the path to true leading-man stardom? We'll have to see how things shake (and shimmy) out come June 29.

Are you excited for "Magic Mike"? Did you think Alex Pettyfer would be more of a focus in the trailer? Tell us what you think in the comments and on Twitter!

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