There are a few actors missing from the "Magic Mike 2" cast, but at least Channing Tatum is confirmed.

An early disappointment in the "Magic Mike XXL" cast is the absence of Matthew McConaughey; the actor was even rumored for a cameo, a report which turned out a dud.

Channing Tatum, on the other hand, headlines the "Magic Mike 2" cast; the first movie saw his character turn down a lucrative offer and settle with newfound love. The title is indeed in his namesake, so it's likely the story stays with him and not with McConaughey's character.

Tatum comments on his preparations for the sequel in a recent interview with Esquire Magazine. The actor also stars in "Foxcatcher," playing a wrestler with a physique more akin to his stripper role in the Magic Mike sequel.

"There are a lot of apologies. A lot of 'I'm sorry that ran into your chin' and 'Let me take my thigh off your neck.' "I'm like T-minus I-don't-know-what to being naked all the time. This is really fine... It's... what I'm doing. It's what I do... I would like a beer. I would like to have some crab. I love eating. But this is what I'm doing right now."

Tatum's strict diet as lead in the "Magic Mike XXL" cast involves a measly half-chicken breast, and water, lots of it.

The actor was commendably in character for the first movie, doing a lot of the dance scenes on his own. The dancing part is where Tatum says he's more comfortable, despite the almost-nudity.

"I learned to appreciate repetition. That's why I can dance. It's how I learned to act. I have a high tolerance for repetition. And for the first time in my life, I was busy enough that I didn't want to stop until I got it right. That never happened in school for me. Not once."

"Magic Mike XXL" release date is slated July 1, 2015, starring Tatum, Elizabeth Banks, Matt Bomer, Amber Heard, and Jada Pinket Smith.