In the film, Tatum stars as a cop who had hoped to be hired for a dream job with the Secret Service, one where he'd protect the president, played by Jamie Foxx. Tatum doesn't get the gig, but instead unexpectedly gets caught up in an attack on the nation's capital by terrorists.
Foxx says he didn't ask President Barack Obama for any specific advice on playing the commander in chief, but admits he did use him for a bit of inspiration.
"I watched him closely, and as a comedian, that's my job to sort of take the little things. It's not a direct impersonation of President Obama, but it was cool. It was really cool to watch him and bring a little bit of that flavor," said Foxx.
The film allowed new-dad Tatum a little pre-fatherhood "practice time" with young actress Joey King.
"I wasn't a father when the movie was being made, and it definitely made me excited. Joey (King) is a beautiful little soul. I love her to death. She's so cute, and so, like, just lit. She's like lit from within," said Tatum.
Tatum also talked about his and wife Jenna Dewan's choice to post a picture of their newborn baby girl, Everly, on his Facebook page. He said it was important to take "stalking photographers" out of the equation.
"I mean look, we have paparazzi out in front of everything trying to get the first picture. We didn't want to sell it. we just wanted to let the fans and whoever wanted to really see it, and that's it. No other reason," Tatum said.
"White House Down" also stars Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Woods. It's rated PG-13 and it's in theaters Friday.
