The “Magic Mike” movies are about impeccable abs, female pleasure, male friendship and the power of a great lap dance. But just beneath all the joy of gyrating hips lurks economic anxiety.

Magic Mike and its 2015 sequel Magic Mike XXL grossed nearly $300m (£245m) worldwide, and another sequel – Magic Mike’s Last Dance – is due for release this month.

Mike’s liberatory gyrations, which spread delight and empowerment wherever he slithers, became the basis for a sequel, “Magic Mike XXL”; a live stage show with runs in Las Vegas, Miami ...