Cameras roll on ‘Magic Mike XXL,’ Michael Strahan among new blood

“Magic Mike XXL” has added another Mike to its cast, and he’s definitely of the extra-extra-large variety: Michael Strahan, the NFL player turned talk show host, will shake his moneymaker in the upcoming sequel to the 2012 male-stripper movie inspired by the life of Channing Tatum.

Strahan, the onetime New York Giant and Super Bowl champ, confirmed his participation Monday morning on his show “Live With Kelly and Michael.” As he recounts in the video above, the role originated as a joke when Tatum appeared on the program in 2012 and Strahan (then a guest host) showed the “Magic Mike” star some of his own moves. Since then, Tatum has repeatedly asked Strahan to take part in the sequel, which will hit theaters July 1.

The original “Magic Mike” proved to be a surprise hit, earning strong reviews and grossing $167 million worldwide on a slim $7-million budget. Riffing with co-host Kelly Ripa on Monday, Strahan admitted to being a bit nervous about joining “XXL” but also assured America that “the muscles under this jacket are about to explode!”

Concurrent with Strahan’s reveal, Warner Bros. announced the official start of production on the movie, which features returning cast members Tatum, Matt Bomer and Joe Manganiello (our condolences to Matthew McConaughey fans).

“XXL” is being directed by Gregory Jacobs, a longtime collaborator with “Magic Mike” helmer Steven Soderbergh. Although Soderbergh has vacated the director’s chair, he hasn’t gone far: He’s on board as cinematographer and editor, under his usual pseudonyms Peter Andrews and Mary Ann Bernard, and executive producer.

Reid Carolin once again wrote the script, which picks up three years after the events of the first film. Tatum’s eponymous character has bowed out of the stripper life at the top of his game, and his former colleagues are finally ready to follow suit … almost. First they decide to take a road trip for a final blowout performance in Myrtle Beach, Fla., with Magic Mike himself back for one night only.

Along with Strahan, other “XXL” newcomers include Elizabeth Banks, Donald Glover, Amber Heard, Andie MacDowell and Jada Pinkett Smith.

No word on who will or won’t be clothed, other than Strahan. On “Live,” he recalled speaking to the “XXL” wardrobe department: “After the conversation, I said, ‘Why did he even bother to call me to talk about wardrobe, because apparently there ain’t nothing to be worn!’”

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