Filming on 'Magic Mike 2' to begin soon

Joe Manganiello claims 'Magic Mike 2' will begin shooting this autumn.

The actor let slip that he would soon be reprising his role as a male stripper alongside Channing Tatum, Matthew McConaughey and Matt Bomer in the upcoming comedy during an interview.

He told the website: "Yeah, it's gonna happen this fall. I think they're going to announce it soon. It's crazy. I didn't think that would be my first franchise. I never thought that would ever be the direction of my career.

"But that said, it's just proof that I don't know best, all the time. It was the most fun I've ever had, and I can't wait to get back in and mix it up with those guys."

The first film was a worldwide hit, grossing $167m globally against a budget of just $7m.

What better way to start writing #MagicMike2 than with my old friend Dallas? #runatribe pic.twitter.com/RalS3nQfro

— Channing Tatum (@channingtatum) February 10, 2014

With director Steven Soderbergh dropping out of shooting the sequel and Tatum busy with other projects, production was thought to be a long way off.

Rumours have been rife that Hollywood hunk Tatum is now planning to co-direct with his producing and writing partner Reid Carolin.

The actor also recently shared a picture of himself gearing up to work on the sequel's screenplay.