Channing Tatum is stepping into a surprising role in Roofman, a new movie based on the real-life story of Jeffrey Manchester—a former soldier turned criminal who once lived secretly in a Toys ‘R’ Us. The official trailer for the film has just dropped, giving fans a first look at this emotional and suspense-filled drama.
Who Is the Real “Roofman”?
Jeffrey Manchester, once an Army Ranger, became known for a string of unusual robberies. He would break into McDonald’s restaurants by cutting holes in the roofs—earning him the nickname “Roofman.” After being caught and sent to prison, he managed to escape and disappear.
Instead of going far, he hid in plain sight—inside a Toys ‘R’ Us store in North Carolina. There, he lived secretly for months while pretending to be someone else. Under the name “John Zorn,” Jeffrey created a new life and even fell in love with a single mom working at the store.
The Story Behind the Film
Roofman is based on the six months Jeffrey spent on the run in 2004. The movie follows his journey as he tries to leave his past behind and build a new life. But with a criminal record and a troubled history, his dream of starting over is always at risk.
Channing Tatum plays the lead role of Jeffrey Manchester, showing both his charm and his inner struggles. Kirsten Dunst stars as Leigh Wainscott, the kind-hearted single mother who falls for him without knowing his real identity.
A Strong Cast and Creative Team
Alongside Tatum and Dunst, the movie features an impressive cast including Ben Mendelsohn, LaKeith Stanfield, Juno Temple, Melonie Diaz, Uzo Aduba, Lily Collias, and Jimmy O. Yang.
Roofman is directed by Derek Cianfrance, known for emotionally powerful films like Blue Valentine and The Place Beyond the Pines. He also co-wrote the script with Kirk Gunn. Channing Tatum not only stars in the film but also serves as an executive producer.
The movie is produced by Paramount Pictures in collaboration with Miramax, FilmNation Entertainment, and Von Waaden Entertainment.
Tatum Opens Up About the Role
In a recent interview, Channing Tatum shared how challenging it was to play a real person. He said there’s pressure to do justice to Jeffrey’s story, knowing it’s impossible to capture everything in a 90-minute film. Tatum described Jeffrey as a “beautiful and unfortunate soul,” adding that while Jeffrey made bad choices, he was also incredibly smart and full of life.
“It breaks my heart,” Tatum said, “He’s probably the first to admit he made mistakes.”
Roofman
Roofman promises to be more than just a crime movie—it’s a look at second chances, identity, and the human side of someone society labeled a criminal. With a gripping true story, emotional performances, and strong direction, this film could be one of the most talked-about dramas of the year.
Keep an eye out for its release—Roofman is sure to leave viewers thinking long after the credits roll.
