Heat Vision via (First Showing) reports that Channing Tatum is attached to Ridley and Tony Scott’s Sci-Fi Romance Ion. The once unsellable script has gained new life because of its stylistic similarities to Avatar, a film that confirmed that the new generation of viewer is more concerned with style over substance. There is no denying Tatum’s commercial appeal, however, films such as Fighting, G.I. Joe, and most recently Dear John have been met with criticism and low box office turn outs. Nevertheless, Tatum appears to still be on the rise. In true Colin Farrell-esque fashion his staying power seems to be bulletproof, regardless of how unsuccessful his films continue to be. One could ague that Tatum has yet to be challenged and that the verdict is still out on whether he can put forth a strong performance, if given quality material. Ion may not be the opportunity that the young star needs to gain legitimacy in the industry.
Ion could very well turn out to be another over-financed, visually driven hallow film that will yield commercial success and little to no critical praise. This possibility becomes far less likely when the Scott Brother’s lend their collective genius to developing the script. Tatum also has story on his side. The script is reportedly a Sci-fi love story, which is just about the only part Tatum can play. The final beneficial detail is the that scrip comes from a first-time writer and we all know that now more than ever Hollywood is in desperate need of new material.
If Channing Tatum is challenged, can he deliver? Has the digital 3-D revolution reached critical mass?