Tatum ties up lead role in Das, GreeneStreet, Kimmel's Contortionist

GreeneStreet Films and Sidney Kimmel Entertainment will finance the adaptation of Craig Clevenger’s novel of the same name about a forger with personal issues who encounters a beautiful woman with a dark past of her own.

Sriram Das of Das Films will produce alongside Kimmel and GreeneStreet Films’ John Penotti and Tim Williams. Tatum and partner Reid Carolin’s production company 33andout are on board as co-producers.

Robin Shushan adapted the screenplay and the producers are out to directors ahead of a winter 2011 start. Glen Basner’s FilmNation is selling international rights through his relationship with GreeneStreet.

“Channing is an extremely savvy and gifted actor and we are thrilled that he has come aboard to bring the enigmatic John Dolan Vincent to life,” Das said. “He represents the calibre of talent that Das Films is looking to partner with as we continue to develop and produce our extensive library of compelling literary properties.”

“Robin’s adaptation crisply captures the gripping journey that Channing will lead us through,” Penotti and Williams said. “We couldn’t be more fortunate to have him bring this character to life.”

Tatum is represented by UTA and will next be seen in Focus Features’ The Eagle directed by Kevin Macdonald and Ron Howard’s The Dilemma alongside Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Connelly. He starts production later this month on The Vow opposite Rachel McAdams.