Joe Manganiello, who plays Big Dick Richie in Magic Mike and Magic Mike XXL, shoots down the possibility returning for a potential Magic Mike 3. Manganiello is known for his portrayal of Flash Thompson in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man and Alcide Herveaux on HBO’s True Blood. He followed these projects up with the role of Big Dick Richie in Magic Mike. Manganiello returned for the sequel, Magic Mike XXL, where his character had his own subplot in addition to being a key part of the buddy road trip story at the heart of the film.
Magic Mike featured Manganiello starring alongside Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Matt Bomer, and Matthew Mcconaughey in a largely serious drama about male strippers. It debuted in 2012 to positive reviews. However, when the sequel released in 2015, it took the franchise in a more lighthearted direction, featuring many returning stars - including Tatum, Bomer and Manganiello. The sequel put much more focus on the Magic Mike dancers and their road trip, and gained even more fans. This left audiences who longed to see more wondering what was next for the Magic Mike world and if there will be another sequel.
In an interview with People, Manganiello spoke about the potential Magic Mike 3, but things don't look good for Big Dick Richie to return. Manganiello said he will not be returning for Magic Mike 3 succinctly by saying, “I’m retired.” The third film isn't officially in development, but if Magic Mike 3 were to be greenlit, it seems Manganiello has decided he won't return.
Though his stripper moves may be put to rest, Manganiello still has several roles coming up, including an appearance in the Justice League Snyder Cut that will release on HBO Max next year. It makes sense that he'd be focused on a concrete future since Magic Mike 3 isn't even in development at this time. In fact, Tatum said in 2016 that they were more focused on producing the live show than a third film. However, if Magic Mike 3 were to move forward, perhaps Manganiello would reconsider returning. If not, Magic Mike XXL could also easily serve as the conclusion for Richie's story and if a third film were made, his absence could be easily explained.
Still, it's disappointing that Manganiello has shut the door on a potential Magic Mike 3 return considering there are plenty of fans of the franchise. Though the first Magic Mike movie received a polarizing response, Magic Mike XXL seemed to win over a greater number of viewers by delivering what they expected from a movie about a group of friends who are male strippers. Though Manganiello will not be returning for another sequel in series via the potential Magic Mike 3, it's not necessarily the end of the franchise as a whole.
Source: People