'Magic Mike XXL' stars in Myrtle Beach for filming
It’s not every day you see actors like Channing Tatum, Matt Bomer and Joe Manganiello riding in a Rolls Royce on Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach.
The stars were in town Tuesday to film the final scenes from the upcoming feature film, “Magic Mike XXL,” which is about a road trip from Tampa to Myrtle Beach for a stripper convention.
Extras, many wearing American flag-patterned summer clothes, started lining up at Boardwalk Resort before 7 a.m. to check in for their opportunity to be in the film.
A sign at Boardwalk Resort read “Welcome Stripper Con Happy 4th.”
Becky Edwards, who was in town from West Virgina to celebrate her birthday, said her annual trip already was booked before she heard the “Magic Mike” actors would be in town. But, as a fan of the first movie, she decided to head to Ocean Boulevard for a chance to catch a glimpse of the actors.
“I wanted to see Channing Tatum,” she said.
And she did, letting out a squeal and a giggle when he first appeared in set with the other actors.
“It’s just unexpected,” Kelly Ubbens said, Edwards’ sister. “I didn’t think we’d see him.”
The movie, written by and starting actor Channing Tatum – who wrote and starred in the 2012 film – is about a road trip from Tampa to Myrtle Beach. The sequel mostly is being filmed on private property in Savannah.
The original film starred Tatum, Matthew McConaughey, Alex Pettyfer and Joe Manganiello.
Actor Kevin Nash tweeted this photo:
Last ride.Cock Rocking Kings of Tampa pic.twitter.com/Vgjhjj7J1N
— Kevin Nash (@RealKevinNash) November 4, 2014
Agents cast about 200 extras who will play characters ranging from tourists to pool party participants to hotel valets, according to the Magic Mike extras Facebook page.
According to paperwork filed with the city, filming was expected to take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesday. The film’s publicist Spooky Stevens said that crews may not need to film Wednesday depending on how much is accomplished on Tuesday.
According to the original permit application, crews planned to film scenes along Ocean Boulevard, the boardwalk around the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel and at Plyler Park.
Filming also was expected to occur at Boardwalk Motel and Breakers Resort, according to a special events permit request filed with the city of Myrtle Beach. The hotels will be dressed up as a Hyatt Hotel, according to the paperwork.
Crews also were in Myrtle Beach during the Labor Day weekend to film some aerial footage as well as shots at 2nd Avenue Pier and Pier 14 while the beach was busy.
A location list on the original paperwork said crews would be filming around Plyler Park and the boardwalk with crowded streets and active shops.
The feature film is the latest in a list of projects to be shot along the Grand Strand, including TLC’s “Trailer Park: Welcome to Myrtle Manor,” CMT’s“Party Down South” and HBO’s “Eastbound and Down.”
The uptick in filming requests also caused Myrtle Beach City Council to pass first reading of an ordinance last week that
“Magic Mike XXL” is expected to hit theaters in July.
This story was originally published November 4, 2014 at 11:20 AM with the headline "'Magic Mike XXL' stars in Myrtle Beach for filming."