Channing Tatum to Make Directorial Debut with ‘Leonard Peacock’ Film

Channing Tatum is certainly moving up Tinseltown's ladder.

Not content to remain an actor and producer, the "Magic Mike" star is about to add one feather to his cap by directing a movie adaptation of the novel "Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock." This will be his first attempt in such a capacity.

"Channing Tatum is set to co-direct and produce a film version of the young adult novel 'Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock 'with his filmmaking partner Reid Carolin," Time reported. "The novel, written by 'Silver Linings Playbook' author Matthew Quick, tells the story of Leonard Peacock and his plans to kill himself alongside his former best friend. There's no word yet on who will adapt the novel for the screen."

According to The Hollywood Reporter, there is also a possibility that the "Foxcatcher" star would appear in the film, as well.

"With its themes of teen alienation, Leonard Peacock had been in development before attracting Tatum's attention," THR added. "The dramatic role would be a departure from Tatum's previous string of roles as a hunky romantic lead in both comedies and dramas."

It appears the actor is indeed moving more into dramatic roles, which can also be interpreted as a trajectory towards acting award territory. If that's the case, the man indeed has ambition! We'll be sure to be seeing him for a good while in the industry, too.

Currently, the father-of-one has just wrapped filming for "Magic Mike XXL," which Channing is also producing, and is going to play Marvel superhero Gambit for the upcoming "X-Men" installment, Vanity Fair noted. He'll also be next seen on "Jupiter Ascending," which is directed by the Wachowskis and will drop in theaters in February 2015.

The man indeed has gone a long way from his days as a stripper.

Regarding "Leonard Peacock," it's been speculated that Channing would probably play "a heroic teacher who intervenes." The choice of movie project is likely down to the fact that the novel was written by an author whose previous work, "Silver Linings Playbook," had "spawned a critical and box-office hit," according to THR.

"The author's upcoming book, 'Love May Fail,' is in the works at Sony, with Mike White adapting and Sam Raimi attached to direct," the entertainment news source added.

Looks like Quick could be the next Nicholas Sparks.

Recently, Chan was seen playing out his real-life roles to a tee.

"The 34-year-old actor looked every bit the doting dad and hubby as he spent Sunday afternoon at the Laurel Canyon Market with his two favorite girls: wife Jenna Dewan-Tatum, 33, and their 17-month-old daughter, Everly," MailOnline observed.

That, plus the critical acclaim for his work in "Foxcatcher" and his upcoming directorial debut, would indicate that things indeed are looking up for Channing.