'Splash' reboot to star Channing Tatum as the mermaid

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 2 (UPI) -- Channing Tatum is trading the pole for a set of fins as the Magic Mike star is set to take the lead role as the mermaid in Disney's remake of the 1984 movie Splash.

In the original film, Daryl Hannah played a mermaid who saved the life of a drowning boy, who is later played by Tom Hanks. She returns for him decades later and gives him the option to live with her in the sea.

With Tatum taking Hannah's role, Hanks' role will go to Jillian Bell who has previously starred in Workaholics, Eastbound & Down, and 22 Jump Street.

Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, who produced the first film under their newly formed Imagine Entertainment, are reportedly returning to produce the reboot.