Channing Tatum has been reported to play the role of a merman in a remake of "Splash," a film which first aired in 1984. The original characters were portrayed by Tom Hanks, the drowning boy who was saved by a mermaid. The sea creature was first played by Daryl Hannah.
The remake plans to switch the actors' role, with Tatum playing the merman and co-actor Jillian Bell playing the young girl who will drown in the story, Hollywood Reporter reported. The script will be written by Marja-Lewis Ryan, and the movie will be produced by Imagine Entertainment's Ron Howard and Brian Grazer, the report added.
The story originally revolved around a boy who drowned and was saved by a mermaid. The mermaid returns 20 years later and had the boy choose between his life on land or a life under the water with her.
In a separate report made, several reasons were listed why Tatum is fit to portray as merman. Aside from his athletic agility, People pointed out the dancer-actor also possess the "grace of a mythical creature." In addition, the "22 Jump Street" actor has been known to take on whatever costume available in the roles he previously played.
The report added that the "Jupiter Ascending" star has that magical aura required of a merman. Lastly, it is known to many that Tatum is a "charming" leading man which makes him more than qualified for the role.
The 1984 "Splash" film launched the careers of both Hanks and Hannah which landed them different roles in other movies. Hanks became a renowned actor famous for playing his role as a special child in "Forrest Gump" and another character in "Cast Away." Characters from intriguing fiction novels written by Dan Brown was also portrayed by the actor.
As of the moment, the film is still in its early stages of development so other details for the upcoming remake has not yet been revealed. It is likely that more information will be confirmed in the months to come.
To get more details regarding the original "Splash" movie, watch its trailer in the video clip below.