Channing Tatum Decides To Take A Break From Acting To Try Directing

Channing Tatum fans brace yourselves.

The actor and People‘s Sexiest Man Alive has announced that he’s taking a break from appearing in movies so he can focus on a directing project with his production partner, Magic Mike screenwriter Reid Carolin.

“[Reid and I] have about three to four ideas that we love that are all in the hopper,” Channing Tatum told Entertainment Weekly. “By the end of next year, we’re going to shut things down and write the first thing that we’re going to direct. We’re going to be like, alright, no more acting parts for a minute, let’s take a few and really get caring about that section of our career.”

Channing Tatum fans might not have too long to wait for his on-screen return. He already signed on for a Magic Mike sequel and will play Evel Knievel in a biopic from Columbia Pictures.

Tatum said that when he does return to acting, it will be with a new perspective, Access Hollywood noted. He worked with famed director Stephen Soderberg on Magic Mike and the upcoming medical drama Side Effects and said the experience was invaluable.

“I don’t think Reid and I would have the balls to try to make a movie without learning what we did from Soderbergh and [assistant director] Greg Jacobs,” Channing Tatum said. “It was like a crazy crash course Cliff Notes on directing and how to make movies, literally get them done. We had a ‘Matrix’-style download, like a plug in the back of the head and bloop! I know Kung Fu now.”

The break comes after a busy year for Channing Tatum. Aside from his honor of Sexiest Man Alive, he starred in five movies in 2012 and has another three slated for 2013.