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James Marsden feared role in Magic Mike: ‘I lacked courage’

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Updated on July 6, 2023

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Magic Mike didn’t disappoint (with Channing Tatum, Matthew McConaughey, Joe Manganiello, and other male celebrities undressing), but there was one actor who might have elevated it even further: James Marsden.

The Notebook star revealed the actual reason why he passed on the stripper-themed film on Tuesday’s broadcast of The Late Late Show with James Corden.

“There’s been a few things I’ve said no to in the past that I’m happy I said no to and a few things that maybe if I could redo it, I’d do it over,” Marsden remarked on Tuesday before explaining why he passed on Magic Mike after being given a part in the film.

“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.”

The actor said that he would have enjoyed himself on Magic Mike, but that certain people in his life are glad he didn’t take the part.

“I grew up in Oklahoma close by, so I’m back in the region, and I’ve always visited Austin the last 20 years of my life,” Marsden shared. “Always taken my kids down here, always wanted to get a ranch and build on some land and now I’m kind of—this last year has made me realize that maybe now is the time for a little change and hey, go do it.”

“I’m kind of diving in headfirst,” James, who has three children with his ex-wife Lisa Linde, continued. “Nothing is irreversible so if it doesn’t work out, I can always come back. I’ve been in L.A. a long time so—but I’m been enjoying it.”

Marsden is presently starring in CBS All Access’ The Stand as Stu Redman. During an interview with ET last year, the actor discussed how the pandemic series (based on Stephen King’s 1978 novel of the same name) relates to current events, such as the recent coronavirus scare.

“[King] is brilliant. I think the word genius gets thrown around too casually nowadays, but he genuinely is one,” Marsden raved. “He has a real curiosity about humanity and where we’re going, and exploring those things that scare us. The mysteries of where we’re going on this earth and what could stop us, what could end it all.

He went on to say, “I think he probably found himself exploring those ideas back in the ’70s. I sure would love to ask him what’s coming next.”