Channing Tatum is stepping away from dancing and into the world of romance novels. This project has nothing to do with Magic Mike returning to screens.
The actor is co-writing a steamy romance novel with celebrated author Roxane Gay, expected to release in 2027, and Gay has made it clear the book will feature “lots and lots of sex.” The story follows two friends who make a pact to marry each other if they’re both still single at 40, then actually go through with it and fall in love afterward.
This collaboration might seem unexpected. It started in a surprisingly casual way back in 2017 when a journalist told Tatum about Gay’s crush on him.
What makes this partnership stand out is how Tatum approached it with genuine respect. He insisted that he and Gay receive equal pay for their work together.
It’s honestly refreshing to see a celebrity project that values both creative partners fairly from the start. While Tatum has experience writing children’s books with his Sparkella series, this romance novel marks a major shift in his literary career.
The book is set in a bakery and promises plenty of heat alongside its grounded emotional story. The partnership itself is a bit of a wild card, but that just adds to the intrigue.
Channing Tatum and Roxane Gay’s Steamy Romance Novel Collaboration
Channing Tatum is writing his first romance novel with Roxane Gay, the bestselling author of Bad Feminist. Gay promises the book will be “very sexy” with lots of intimate scenes between the main characters.
How the Unlikely Partnership Began
The partnership started in what Gay calls “the most ridiculous way.” A journalist asked Tatum if he knew about a writer who had written about her crush on him in Bad Feminist.
That writer was Roxane Gay, who had penned an essay for InStyle magazine about female desire that included her own fantasies about the actor. When Tatum was later approached to co-author a book project, he agreed on one condition: he would only do it if he could work with Roxane Gay.
Tatum had already read Bad Feminist and admired her work. Gay shared these details during an interview on Dua Lipa’s Service95 podcast.
The collaboration marks Tatum’s first attempt at novel writing. For Gay, it’s a lighter creative direction than her usual serious cultural criticism and essays on social justice.
Plot Premise: Voluntary Marriage Pact in a Bakery
The novel follows two friends who make a pact to marry each other if they’re still single at 40. When they reach that age, they go through with the marriage.
The story explores what happens when these two people actually fall in love after getting married. Gay describes the book as a modern love story inspired by real-life pacts friends sometimes make.
The setting includes a bakery, though details about how this location fits into the plot are still under wraps. The book is described as steamy, with Gay emphasizing it contains “lots and lots of sex.”
This marks a departure from Gay’s previous work, which has focused more on feminist theory and cultural criticism. The whole thing feels like uncharted territory for both authors.
Writing Process and Creative Roles
The specific division of writing duties between Tatum and Gay hasn’t been publicly detailed. Both writers are actively involved in creating the story together.
Gay brings her established publishing experience and literary voice to the project. Tatum contributes his perspective as someone new to novel writing, which could add an unpredictable energy to the book.
Publishing plans show the book is set for release in 2026, though some sources say it could arrive in 2027. The romance novel genre is a major market, and this unexpected pairing has already sparked a lot of interest among readers.
Channing Tatum’s Literary Journey: From Sparkella to Steamy Romances
Tatum made his mark as a New York Times bestselling author in 2021 with a children’s book. Now he’s pivoting to adult romance fiction with co-author Roxane Gay.
Transition from Children’s Books to Adult Fiction
Tatum entered publishing in 2021 with “The One and Only Sparkella,” a children’s picture book inspired by his daughter Everly, whom he shares with ex-wife Jenna Dewan. The Sparkella series focused on themes of self-expression and creativity for young readers.
Now, Tatum is working on a romance novel with Roxane Gay set for release in 2027. The book follows two people who make a pact to get married after turning 40.
Sources describe the project as “fun and sexy” and “very sexy.” This move from children’s literature to adult romance marks a significant shift in Tatum’s writing career.
The transition shows his range as an author and his willingness to explore different genres. Not everyone would take that leap, honestly.
Influence of Magic Mike Fandom and Personal Life
Tatum’s work on Magic Mike established him as a symbol of romance and attraction in pop culture. His roles in romantic films like “The Vow” and “Dear John” built a fanbase that expects passionate storytelling from him.
His personal experiences with relationships, including his marriage to Jenna Dewan and fatherhood to Everly, have shaped his perspective on love and commitment. These experiences probably inform the novel’s premise about two people making a marriage pact later in life.
The partnership with Roxane Gay brings credibility and literary depth to the project. Gay is known for works like “Bad Feminist” and brings experience in exploring complex relationships through writing.
Impact of the Partnership on Contemporary Publishing
The collaboration between Tatum and Gay stands out as a pretty unusual pairing in publishing. Usually, when celebrities write books, they team up with ghostwriters, but Gay is already an acclaimed writer and social critic.
This partnership shows how publishing keeps evolving to welcome more diverse creative teams. Tatum brings his entertainment industry following and a real understanding of romantic stories.
Gay adds her literary expertise and a sharp, critical take on relationships. The 2027 release date gives them room to create something thoughtful, not just another quick celebrity product.
