Rarely does Channing Tatum stray from his role as the good guy. Whether he’s tempting audiences in Magic Mike, saving the day in White House Down, or making us laugh in 21 Jump Street, Tatum is often the character we root for. Not so much this time around though. In Zoë Kravitz‘s directorial debut, Blink Twice, Tatum steps into the skin of a horror villain who transforms Naomi Ackie‘s life into a living nightmare. The newly released film poster vividly captures this eerie transformation, with Tatum terrifyingly holding up a Polaroid camera, set to capture the terror on Ackie’s face.
Channing Steps Into His Chilling Character
Initially announced under the provocative title Pussy Island, Blink Twice traces the journey of Frida (portrayed by the talented Naomi Ackie), a cocktail waitress who crosses paths with tech billionaire Slater King (Tatum) at a fundraising gala. Sparks fly, and Frida is soon swept into King’s wealthy world, leading her to exotic vacations on his private island, packed with wild parties and sun-drenched days that seem like a dream. Yet, beneath this facade of paradise, Frida begins to notice unsettling things. As the dream quickly turns to terror and a struggle for survival, she races against time to uncover the island’s sinister secrets before she becomes another victim in Slater King’s wicked game.
Kravitz’s decision to cast Tatum as the villain is both daring and strategic. She uses his established image as the “boy next door” and classic “love interest” aesthetic to defy stereotypes. Tatum, known for his refreshing and charming on-screen persona, dives headfirst into exploring a toxic male figure, dramatically different from his usual roles. Kravitz’s intent is clear: even seemingly innocent people can pack deep darkness. Accompanying Tatum and Ackie is an impressive supporting cast, including Christian Slater, Simon Rex, Adria Arjona, Kyle MacLachlan, Haley Joel Osment, Geena Davis, and Alia Shawkat. This ensemble promises dynamic performances that will add to the film’s depth and intensity.
The Poster: A Creepy Peek into The Film
The poster for Blink Twice offers a chilling glimpse into Tatum’s character as King. It frames him as a controlling, weirdly obsessive person who captures moments of terror through his Polaroid lens. Kravitz masterfully maintains an aura of mystery around King’s true intentions, keeping fans guessing right up until the film’s release. This marketing move only heightens the anticipation, inviting viewers to unravel the dark layers of King’s character.
Blink Twice, co-written by Kravitz and E.T. Feigenbaum, delves into dark themes without hesitation. The film has received a R rating due to “strong violent content, sexual assault, drug use and language throughout, and some sexual references.” It claims to dive into the horrific depths of Slater King’s wickedness, providing a chilling glimpse into his activities through the eyes of his victims.
Tatum admitted in an honest interview with Entertainment Weekly that he felt uncomfortable playing such a malicious character, especially given the unnerving nature of King’s dealings with women, such as Ackie’s Frida. Tatum thinks Blink Twice will serve as a conversation starter, addressing important subjects that, while tough to confront, must be discussed.
Blink Twice is set to premiere in theaters on August 23rd, marking a significant moment both for Kravitz’s directorial career and for Tatum’s evolution as an actor. This film promises to challenge our perceptions, provoke thought, and spark crucial conversations. For fans of horror and film enthusiasts alike, Blink Twice is gearing up to be an unforgettable cinematic experience.
FUN FACT!
Not only are the dynamic duo getting ready to deliver a fan favorite film packed with terror, the two are tying the knot! In December 2023, PEOPLE reported that the 21 Jump Street actor and the Big Little Lies actress are engaged to be married. The two began dating back in 2021 while Kravitz was working on her upcoming directorial debut, Pussy Island which we now know to be Blink Twice, starring Tatum. Kravitz told GQ that she became close to Tatum on the Pussy Island production, where he would always go out of his way to assist her. Congratulations on the two towards matrimony and more movie collaborations!
