Zoë Kravitz Praises Ex Channing Tatum's 'Charisma' inBlink Twice2 Months After Breakup

Mar. 15, 2025

Zoe Kravitz and Channing Tatum.Photo:Taylor Hill/WireImage; Karwai Tang/WireImage

Taylor Hill/WireImage; Karwai Tang/WireImage

Zoë Kravitzcontinues to praise ex-fiancéChanning Tatum’sBlink Twiceperformance.

Kravitz, whodirectedthe film, explained toThe BatmandirectorMatt ReevesduringVariety’sDirectors on DirectorsDec. 18 issue that when casting Tatum, 44, she wanted “to weaponize his charisma.”

“Channing was the first person I thought of for Slater King, and I don’t know where that came from,” Kravitz, 36, said of Tatum’s tech billionaire character in the psychological thriller.

“I knew that the character needed to be somebody who we think we trust, especially because you don’t believeNaomi [Ackie](who played Frida) is getting on that plane if it’s someone who is immediately insidious,” Kravitz said.

TheBig Little Liesactress explained she wanted to “weaponize” Tatum’s charm because audiences have “never seen” him in that type of role.

Zoe Kravitz and Channing Tatum on August 08, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.Eric Charbonneau/Getty

Eric Charbonneau/Getty

She toldDeadlinein June 2021 that Tatum was her first choice to star in her directorial debut.

“[He was the one] I thought of when I wrote this character,” she said. “I just knew fromMagic Mikeand his live shows, I got the sense he’s a true feminist and I wanted to collaborate with someone who was clearly interested in exploring this subject matter.”

Prior to the couple’s split, they joined one another for the film’s press tour and spoke about working together as they continued their relationship. At the Los Angelespremiere ofBlink Twicein August, Tatum told PEOPLE, “To get to create something with someone that you love is probably one of the most gratifying things.”

“We got to work together and go through hard things together and support each other, and it was beautiful,” Kravitz added at the premiere.

In a later conversation with PEOPLE,Kravitz said it was “awesome” to see Tatum play the bad guy. “He was doing such a good job, and as an actor, I’m like, ‘This is delicious stuff that he’s never gotten a chance to do,' " Kravitz said. “And also, he’s doing this part because he’s an ally. He wants to tell this story.”

Zoe Kravitz on March 8, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.Alberto Rodriguez/WWD via Getty

Alberto Rodriguez/WWD via Getty

The pair sparked romance rumorsin August 2021when they were first seen together out and about in N.Y.C. Then, beginning in February 2022, the couple began talking about each other ininterviews. In October 2023, theygot engaged, but they called it off a year later because “they realized they’re at different stages in life,”a source told PEOPLE.

Although Tatum and Kravitz have split, they have another project,Alpha Gang, and will continue to work together on the comedy.An insider told PEOPLE, “They will continue to work together and are excited about a new project. They both love filming and creating. Channing has a lot of respect for Zoë’s focus and passion.”

Channing Tatum on September 20, 2024 in Milan, Italy.Arnold Jerocki/Getty

Arnold Jerocki/Getty

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Blink Twiceis available to stream on Prime Video and MGM+.

source: people.com