Washington DC [US], September 9 (ANI): Actor and film producer Channing Tatum recalled why he turned down a role in Derek Cianfrance's 2010 drama 'Blue Valentine', reported People.

'As I was just reminded, it was about 20 years ago that I did kind of one of my first real, I guess, acting roles, and Derek saw it and, and he believed in me, I think way before I ever believed in myself,' said Tatum while accepting the Toronto International Film Festival Tribute Performer Award at the TIFF Tribute Awards, as per the outlet.

'And that was why I think I couldn't go on that journey. I just ... I was just scared,' he added, 'I was absolutely terrified of that role specifically, and I didn't go.'

After looking at Tatum's performance in the 2006 drama 'A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints', Cianfrance thought of casting him in his film. 'He's got this physicality -- this body that can tell stories,' said the director about the actor.

Tatum added, 'I think I blocked it out because I probably, on some level, regret it,' he said. Looking 'back on that moment. I was scared of it, because I hadn't really lived it.'

'Blue Valentine' is the 'story of a married couple -- Dean and Cindy -- that unravels throughout the course of the movie, which is told in a nonlinear fashion,' according to People.

Tatum revealed that another reason why he turned down the intense role was because he 'hadn't been in a relationship like that at that time.'

'I didn't think I could do it. I was just starting to act,' he said, adding that as he and Cianfrance began working together on Roofman, the director 'reminded me of that.'

'I was like, 'Yeah, I know.' I definitely ... I wish I would have done it. But I think Ryan killed that,' added Tatum. 'So I don't spiritually think that one was mine.'

'Roofman' stars Tatum as real-life convict Jeffrey Manchester, who became notorious for robbing 45 McDonald's restaurants and once evaded capture by secretly living in a Toys 'R' Us store. It follows Manchester's six-month stint hiding inside the store, including his falling in love with a divorced mom (Kirsten Dunst), according to People.

'Roofman' is in theatres on October 10. (ANI)