Salma Hayek replaces Thandiwe Newton in Magic Mike 3 movie after she was axed by Channing Tatum
MARVEL star Salma Hayek has stepped in to save Channing Tatum's upcoming film Magic Mike 3, Magic Mike's Last Dance.
The Eternals actress, 55, will replace Thandiwe Newton after she was dropped from the project following a row with leading man and producer Channing, 41.
Warner Bros. were left with no choice but to halt filming in London costing thousands as they frantically searched for a replacement star.
In total 11 days were lost - with some freelance crew members claiming they are now £4,000 down as a result of the incident.
Director Steven Soderbergh, who headed up the first film, is returning the project while Magic Mike XXL director Gregory Jacobs is on board as a producer.
Prior to landing the part, Salma has picked up critical acclaim for roles in House Of Gucci and The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard.
However, it was her portrayal of Frida Kahlo in 2002 hit Frida that turned her into a star.
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The role saw her land nominations for Best Actress at the Oscars, Golden Globes and BAFTas.
The Sun told yesterday how Thandiwe and Channing stunned fellow cast members and production staff with their blazing row.
after a major row over Will Smith's infamous Oscars slap of comedian Chris Rock.
Will saw red and stormed on stage to slap his former pal after Chris made a joke about Will's wife Jada Pinkett Smith sporting a shaved head like G.I. Jane, despite her suffering from alopecia.
As a result Will, who picked up the academy award for Best Actor just minutes later, is now banned from the Oscars for 10 years.
A crew member told a pal: “Channing Tatum is the producer and number one on set. Thandiwe Newton is the number two star. But 11 days into shooting and it’s all over.
“They fell out over the debacle at The Oscars. I was on set. I watched her and watched him. They were in and out of the house where we were filming having this confrontation.
“It was a tense exchange of words, but suddenly it escalated - Channing got into this car and he disappeared.
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The source added: “After the row he just went, ‘I am not working with her anymore’. Him being a producer, it’s his movie, so she’s off the movie."
In a statement, a spokesperson for Warner Bros. Pictures said: "Thandiwe Newton has made the difficult decision to step away from the production of Warner Bros. Pictures’ Magic Mike’s Last Dance to deal with family matters."
One crew member claimed that Thandiwe was "an absolute diva" on set and was “very demanding” in the days leading up to the row.
They said: “Everyone on set found her challenging to work with. She’s an absolute diva.
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“I’ve watched her have a go at the first assistant director, her costume girl. She’s always ranting and raving about something.”
The success of the Magic Mike has boomed in recent years with a live stage show opening in London's Leicester Square above the Hippodrome Casino in November 2018.
