Morale among Magic Mike XXL fans is at an all-time low following yesterday’s announcement that Matthew McConaughey has declined to participate in the film. Andie MacDowell is pleasant enough, but she’s hardly the flamboyant showstopper necessary to make people really believe in a male stripper sequel that is also a road movie again. But now two new cast members have arrived to give hope to the hooting, jeering masses, albeit probably not the same hooting, jeering masses as the first Magic Mike.
Amber Heard has signed on in an undefined starring role, meaning she’ll probably good-naturedly roll her eyes as Channing Tatum thrusts at her at some point. Jada Pinkett Smith is also reportedly up for a role as a strip club owner, a role Deadline euphemistically says “originally was to be played by a guy.” Heard and maybe Pinkett Smith will join a returning cast that includes Channing Tatum, Matt Bomer, Joe Manganiello, and Alex Pettyfer.