While Channing Tatum has built a successful career as a Hollywood actor, he admits that the role of a parent presents unique challenges that test him daily. The star, currently promoting his latest thriller film Josephine at The Sundance Film Festival 2026, opened up about his personal journey as a father to his 12-year-old daughter, Everly, whom he shares with ex-wife Jenna Dewan.
Parenting is a Daily Challenge for Channing Tatum
In a candid interview with E! News during the festival, the 45-year-old actor reflected on the complexities of fatherhood. "Parenting is hard, and it changes day-to-day," Tatum confessed. He elaborated on the balancing act required, stating, "Sometimes you have to be the tough parent, and then other times, you need to be their soft buddy where you just love 'em, and that's it." This honest admission highlights the emotional rollercoaster that many parents experience but rarely discuss publicly.
The Struggle to Stay Cool for His Daughter
Another significant dilemma Tatum faces is maintaining relevance in the eyes of his pre-teen daughter. Despite his fame and numerous film credits, he revealed in a previous conversation that Everly remains largely unimpressed by his cinematic achievements. "She's like, 'Whatever, I don't wanna see those.' She acts like she doesn't care," he shared, illustrating the universal challenge parents face as their children develop independent tastes and personalities.
'Josephine' Mirrors Tatum's Real-Life Parenting Reflections
The psychological thriller Josephine, which stars Tatum and Gemma Chan as parents struggling to console their young daughter after a traumatic event, prompted deep personal reflection for the actor. Speaking to Variety after the film's premiere, Tatum explained how the project made him reevaluate his own parenting approach. "I have a daughter, and it has made me look at myself and the way I parent and what the connection is and how I'm communicating things," he revealed.
Drawing Inspiration from His Own Father
Tatum further disclosed that his character in the film was partially inspired by his real-life father, creating a blend of personal experiences that informed his performance. "It's a different character than I am in my life. I took a lot from my own dad in a way. I think (Damien, his character in the film) is a bit of a mix between myself and my dad," he explained. This connection between art and life adds depth to his portrayal and demonstrates how family relationships shape artistic expression.
The Film's Personal Connection to Director Beth de Araújo
Josephine carries additional emotional weight as director Beth de Araújo wrote and directed the film based on a harrowing real-life experience from her childhood. This personal connection to the material creates an authentic exploration of trauma and parental response, themes that resonated strongly with Tatum during filming.
As Tatum continues to navigate both his Hollywood career and his responsibilities as a father, his openness about the challenges of parenting provides a relatable perspective for audiences worldwide. His experiences remind us that even celebrities face the same fundamental struggles in raising children while balancing professional demands.
