Channing Tatum elects 'White House Down'

After proving he can hold his own with a romantic drama and comedy, Channing Tatum is looking to get back to his action-hero roots as the "21 Jump Street" star is in advanced talks to topline Sony's "White House Down."

Roland Emmerich will direct from a script by James Vannderbilt. The film is described as "Die Hard" in the White House and follows a secret service agent who must save the president.

Sony had no comment on the casting.

Emmerich, Vanderbilt, Harald Kloser, Bradley Fischer and Laeta Kalogridis are producing through Mythology Entertainment. Reid Carolin, Tatum's producing partner at their Iron Horse Productions banner, will serve as an executive producer.

Production is expected to start in late summer. The film has been on the fast track ever since Sony paid $3 million to acquire the spec, beating out Paramount.

Sony's next objective is to find the pic's president and the head of the Secret Service, though no offers have been tendered at this time.

Sony is widely known for staying in business and building long relationships with actors such as Will Smith and Adam Sandler; with all the business Tatum has driven for the studio this year, it makes sense to continue that relationship. Studio currently has grossed the most money domestically at the box office this year with $518.1 million, including Tatum's "The Vow" and "21 Jump Street."

Tatum is also producing with Joe Roth a new take on Peter Pan story, "Neverland" at Sony with Gavin O'Connor in talks to direct.

The UTA and Management 360-repped Tatum can be seen next in Warner Bros. "Magic Mike," and is currently shooting "The Bitter Pill."