"Retired" director Steven Soderbergh announced on Sunday that production had begun for Magic Mike sequel Magic Mike XXL.


Soderbergh took to Twitter and tweeted, "It's ON!" while posting a picture of the clapperboard.

As previously reported, Soderbergh will not be directing the sequel, instead he turned over that duty to frequent assistant Greg Jacobs.

Though Soderbergh isn't helming the feature, that doesn't mean he won't be involved in XXL, notes The Hollywood Reporter. He is on board as the film editor, the camera operator and director of photography.

The Knick director previously told GQ that he wanted to remain a part of the film, but "I just don't want to be the frontman this time."

Soderbergh interestingly enough is known to edit under the name Mary Ann Bernard and also uses the name Peter Andrews when he handles the cinematography.

Channing Tatum (right), who starred and co-wrote the screenplay for Magic Mike, will be returning to star.

Magic Mike XXL is scheduled to hit theaters July 1, 2015.

image via Twitter from Steven Soderbergh
top image courtesy of Peter West/ACE/INFphoto.com