Steven Soderbergh Taps Alex Pettyfer for Channing Tatum Stripper Movie

A few weeks ago, Steven Soderbergh postponed his early retirement to take on a juicy project brought to him by Channing Tatum. Based on Tatum's real-life experiences, the project -- titled Magic Mike -- would center on a friendship set in the world of male strippers. And just moments ago, in a casting coup for crotch tattoo-ed actors everywhere, Deadline announced that Alex Pettyfer has signed onto the project.

But the I Am Number Four star will not just be joining Magic Mike as any old crotch-inked stripper hustling onstage for giddy bridal parties; he will play a "young Tatum" while the real Tatum plays his older mentor. Reid Carolin (Earth Made of Glass) is currently writing the script, which Soderbergh has called "sexy, funny and shocking" -- and in the same vein as Saturday Night Fever. Thoughts?

· Alex Pettyfer To Co-Star With Channing Tatum In Steven Soderbergh's Male Stripper Pic [Deadline]