Channing Tatum Had No Clue Why Benett Miller Wanted To Make Dark Film Like 'Foxcatcher'

Channing Tatum has recently revealed that when he was offered "Foxcatcher," he was not initially convinced about playing the intense role of a wrestler. The actor, who is known for playing light-hearted characters, said he didn't understand the character of wrestling champion Mark Schultz and the reason behind telling his story to the audience.

"To be quite honest, I didn't understand exactly why he (director Benett Miller) wanted to make it," Channing said during the Q&A session after the screening of the film, as quoted by Variety. The actor also said that he tried to understand the character of Mark Schultz for seven years, but failed to make a connection. "I don't know what exactly happened in those seven years other than just a little bit more of an understanding of stories and why we tell them and what is fascinating about people and characters and relationships and just life," the actor said.

"Foxcatcher" tells the story of a champion wrestler whose brother is killed by a wrestling coach John E. du Pont. Pont is a millionaire and a schizophrenic. The film is an intense crime drama and was highly applauded when it was shown at the Cannes Film Festival.

Benett Miller roped in Channing for his film after seeing his work in the film "A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints." Tatum played the complex character of Antonia in the film, who has been raised by an abusive father. Miller is known for handling dark subjects and it was reportedly the intense subject of "Foxcatcher" which made Channing Tatum's wife Jenna Tatum uncomfortable on the film's set.

Jenna confessed during her recent appearance at the Hollywood Film Awards that she left the sets of "Foxcatcher" before the schedule, as she was unable to see her husband play such a dark character, according to Access Hollywood. During the shoot of the film Jenna was pregnant. Channing also said that he was unable to shed off the character when he came back home from work

"Foxcatcher" hits theatres on Nov. 14. The film has opened to rave reviews and is already generating Oscar buzz.