Channing Tatum has started work on Magic Mike 2.

The hunky actor announced he is working on the script for a sequel to his male stripper drama - loosely based on his own past - by posting a picture of him staring thoughtfully at a bust of his co-star from the original, Matthew McConaughey.

Referencing Matthew's character, he wrote underneath the picture. "What better way to start writing #MagicMike2 than with my old friend Dallas? #runatribe [sic]."

The first Magic Mike movie had a surprisingly dark plot, but Channing claims the sequel will be more light-hearted: "It will essentially be the movie that everyone thought the first one was going to be: crazy and fun and less slice-of-life and less drama. The first one, we had to make not so cheesy and campy; this one we are going to swing for the fences."

Channing, 33, is also considering directing as well as starring in the movie, which would make it his debut feature.

He is also working on developing the film into a Broadway musical, which was announced last year. Reid Carolin, who is helping write the new script, and was also co-producer of Magic Mike said, "We are working on it as a Broadway show, which would be a different story. More of a romp, more of a fun night out at a club with a story."