Picks and Pans Review: Channing Tatum Throws the First Punch

>• The heartthrob star of the street-brawling flick Fighting, 29, weighs in on preparing for the physical role and his blockbuster summer ahead.

YOU’RE ULTRA-BUFF IN THIS FILM! When I’m on, I work really hard—I’ll do three-a-day workouts. But as soon as I’m done with a movie, I go for the beer and cheeseburgers. Life is too short to miss out on the beautiful things like a double cheeseburger.

THE SEX SYMBOL GIG IS PRETTY NICE, HUH? It’s about as flattering as it gets, but I never know how to deal with it. I’m just really humbled. I won the lottery in so many places in my life.

ANY WEIRD FAN ENCOUNTERS? Everyone always gives me their cell phone to talk to their friend. It’s such an awkward conversation—they never know what to say.

YOU ALSO HAVE PUBLIC ENEMIES OUT IN JULY WITH JOHNNY DEPP AND CHRISTIAN BALE. NOT BAD! They’re people I’ve watched since way before I knew what acting was. They’re my sort of idols. Working with Christian was such an amazing experience. He was a class act. He takes his job incredibly seriously, and he taught me it’s not just fun and games. It’s a real craft.

AND YOU GET TO LIVE OUT A BOYHOOD FANTASY IN G.I. JOE THIS AUGUST. I watched G.I. Joe as a kid, and to see Snake Eyes standing next to you—you’re just giddy.