James Marsden Says He Turned Down ‘Magic Mike’ Because He Lacked ‘Courage’

Appearing on “The Late Late Show” this week, James Marsden revealed he’d turned down a part in the 2012 stripper-themed dramedy, which also starred Matt Bomer and Matthew McConaughey.

“I had the fear that I would be edited out of the movie ― all my lines would be cut out, and I’d be an extra just running around in a G-string,” the “Dead to Me” and “Mrs. America” actor explained. “So I think it was a lack of courage on my part. But then I was like, ‘What am I doing?’ This is [director Steven] Soderbergh, I should have just done it.”

Although Marsden now feels he could’ve “jumped in and had fun” with a “Magic Mike” role, many of his loved ones beg to differ.

“I have friends and family that still think it was a wise idea for me not to do it, because they don’t want to see me like that,” he quipped to host James Corden.

Watch a clip of James Marsden on “The Late Late Show” below. 

Loosely based on Tatum’s real-life experiences as a stripper, “Magic Mike” received positive reviews and raked in more than $167 million at the worldwide box office. A hit sequel, “Magic Mike XXL,” was released in 2015.

Fortunately for Marsden, his decision hasn’t seemed to have had a lasting impact on his career. He currently stars in “The Stand,” CBS All Access’ adaptation of Stephen King’s apocalyptic-themed 1978 bestseller.

Though filming wrapped before COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, Marsden sees the series as reflective of the current sociopolitical climate in many ways.

“The word ‘genius’ gets thrown around too casually nowadays, but [King] genuinely is one,” he said. “He has a real curiosity about humanity and where we’re going, and exploring those things that scare us. … I think he probably found himself exploring those ideas back in the ’70s. I sure would love to ask him what’s coming next.”