Channing Tatum Gives Update on Health and Reveals Shoulder Surgery Scar
Channing Tatum has a new permanent reminder of the toll that life as an action star can take on the body. The 45-year-old actor recently took to social media to share a candid update following shoulder surgery he underwent earlier this month.
Posting a selfie that prominently featured a significant scar grazing his right shoulder, Tatum admitted he was surprised by the sheer size of the surgical mark, having originally expected something far more discreet.
In his characteristically lighthearted fashion, Tatum joked that it was his own fault for not clarifying the details of the procedure with his medical team. He confessed that he thought it was gonna be two little holes rather than the lengthy incision he ultimately received.
Despite the unexpected aesthetic, the Magic Mike lead remained optimistic, telling his followers that he likes scars anyway and is thrilled to report that his shoulder is feeling stronger day by day.
The injury, which Tatum has been documenting since early February, required a surgical screw to repair a separated shoulder. While he hasn’t explicitly stated how the injury occurred, he joked about the new hardware in his body, wondering if his shoulder might now shut off the machine when he passes through airport security.
He had previously shared a black-and-white photo from his hospital bed on February 3, describing the recovery as just another day and another challenge in his long career of physical performances.
While Tatum is widely known for his ripped physique and intense stunt work, this recent setback has forced him to confront the realities of aging. Last year, while filming Avengers: Doomsday in London, he suffered a separate injury that left him with a noticeable limp and forced his stunt double to take over more of the heavy lifting.
He admitted in an interview that he hates getting old, remarking that in his own mind, he is literally still 30 years old. As of this year, Tatum’s professional plate remains incredibly full despite his physical recovery.
He recently made waves at the Sundance Film Festival for his dramatic role in the thriller Josephine, where he stars alongside Gemma Chan as the father of a young girl who witnesses a brutal crime. The film has been hailed by critics as containing one of his best performances to date, and following a major distribution deal, it is expected to be a significant player in the upcoming awards season.
In addition to his indie success, Tatum is set to make a massive splash in the Marvel Cinematic Universe this year. He will reprise his fan-favorite role as Remy LeBeau, also known as Gambit, in Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for a December release.
Fans are particularly excited to see him share the screen with Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom, though Tatum has hinted that his portrayal of the Cajun mutant will be slightly more serious and “mature” than his comedic turn in Deadpool & Wolverine.
Outside of his acting roles, Tatum is continuing to expand his Magic Mike empire by bringing Magic Mike Live to a newly renovated space in New York City beginning in October.
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