In-demand Robert Irwin is tipped for a raunchy new Hollywood role, leaving his mother Terri fraught with anxiety. The 22-year-old wildlife conservationist has reportedly caught the attention of Hollywood heavyweight Channing Tatum, who is said to be exploring a revival of the Magic Mike franchise and searching for fresh faces to join the cast.
According to a well-placed US source, the 45-year-old actor and producer is assembling a group of young stars for a reboot of the hit 2012 film, which was inspired by his own experiences as a male stripper in Tampa, Florida. After reportedly keeping a close eye on Robert's rise to fame following his success on Dancing With The Stars, Tatum is said to believe the wildlife photographer could be a perfect fit.
"He (Tatum) thinks Robert ticks every box. He reminds him of a G-rated version of himself when he was younger, trying to make it," the source told New Idea. "He's also banking on Robert wanting to ditch some of his goody-two-shoes image and what better way than giving him a full six-pack Magic Mike hunkover?"
While Robert is no stranger to showcasing his physique—having sent the internet into a frenzy with his Bonds underwear campaign last year and occasionally posts shirtless selfies online—a role in a stripping-themed film would represent a dramatic departure from the wholesome brand long associated with the Irwin family. According to the source, that's where things could become complicated.
"Robert would love to do something like this—he's young and wants to stretch himself as an actor, but getting his mum and sister on board with him playing a male stripper is another story entirely," they said. "Terri will be stunned by even the thought of Robert doing the Magic Mike film. She can't stop him if it's something he wants, but she and Bindi will be gently steering him toward more 'family-friendly' opportunities."
The insider claimed the role would be "completely off-brand" for the Irwin family's long-standing reputation for wildlife conservation and family entertainment. Despite increasing interest from Hollywood, Robert has made it clear that Australia Zoo remains his primary focus.
Speaking to The Watchlist while filming a guest appearance on MasterChef Australia, he said his conservation work continues to take precedence over his growing list of television and entertainment opportunities. "I say yes to everything, but when I go home, the real work for Australia Zoo and my conservation projects begins," he said. "My day job starts when I get back, and I love that."
The son of the late Steve Irwin has frequently spoken about embracing opportunities while staying true to the values instilled in him by his father. "My approach is: if you're going to do it, you've got to go all out," he said.
