Channing Tatum Set To Make Directional Debut & Possibly Star In 'Leonard Peacock'

Channing Tatum is set to direct his first movie.

Channing Tatum at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2014.

The 34-year-old actor is on a career high after the critical success of Foxcatcher, in which he stars alongside Steve Carell, and the commercial success of 22 Jump Street. Evidently comfortable in front of the camera in both serious and humorous roles, Tatum has made the decision to step behind the camera to direct his first ever movie. THR first reported the news.

Tatum will turn his hand to directing an adaptation of the young adult novel Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock. The novel was written by Matthew Quick, the same author who penned Silver Linings Playbook. Silver Linings Playbook was adapted for the screen in 2012 in the Oscar winning film starring Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper.

Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan
Channing Tatum and his wife Jenna Dewan at the Hollywood Film Awards in November.

Tatum, who may star in the film, will have some help as he is co-directing the film with Reid Carolin. Carolin and Tatum have previously worked together on Magic Mike which Carolin wrote and produced. The Weinstein Company, who were also responsible for Silver Linings Playbook, are behind the project.

Leonard Peacock centres on a troubled teenager who decides to kill his best friend and then himself. The teenager goes into school to say goodbye forcing a teacher, who may be played by Tatum, to intervene.

Tatum has certainly been busy of late as his latest film Foxcatcher opened this month to rave reviews. Jupiter Ascending is set to open early next year (cue the publicity tour) and he has recently finished filming for Magic Mike XXL. It was also reported last month that Tatum has signed a deal to star in the next X-Men film as Gambit.

Tatum's latest film is Foxcatcher, in which he stars opposite Steve Carell.