Roofman: The Wild True Story Behind Channing Tatum’s New Film — And the Scene Too “Unbelievable” to Keep

Roofman, Channing Tatum’s new crime comedy based on the surreal real-life story of Jeffrey Manchester, is earning praise for its heartfelt tone and stranger-than-fiction plot. But as director Derek Cianfrance revealed, one scene drawn directly from reality was ultimately cut — because it was simply too unbelievable to audiences, despite actually happening.

Premiering at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, Roofman tells the story of Manchester, a former U.S. Army Reserve member who spent five years robbing more than 60 McDonald’s restaurants in the late 1990s. After escaping from prison, he hid inside a Charlotte Toys “R” Us and a vacant Circuit City, living a double life as both a fugitive and a beloved local figure.

Roofman Deleted a Real Police Scene Because It Was Too Absurd to Believe

Director Derek Cianfrance shared that one real event from Manchester’s life was filmed but ultimately cut from the final version of Roofman. The moment took place on Halloween, when Manchester — dressed as a giant bunny while taking his girlfriend Leigh Wainscott’s child trick-or-treating — walked into a police station to borrow scissors.

“Jeff walked into the police station in a bunny outfit and asked the officers for scissors to make pockets,” Cianfrance said. “It really happened, but when we shot it, it just felt too unbelievable.”

This strange encounter highlights the bizarre duality of Manchester’s story: a wanted fugitive brazenly entering a police station in costume, blending comedy and crime in a way that feels fictional — but isn’t. It also reflects the larger tone of the movie, which balances humor and heartbreak throughout.

Despite omitting the bunny-suit moment, Cianfrance said he spent more than 400 hours speaking with Manchester to ensure the story remained authentic. “He was so charming, so charismatic, and was paying the price of his bad decisions,” the director explained. Manchester, now serving a 45-year sentence with nine of those years spent in solitary confinement, declined a plea deal of seven years because he believed he had not hurt anyone — a decision that drastically lengthened his prison time.

How Roofman Blends Comedy, Tragedy, and Nostalgia

Cianfrance, known for heavy dramas like Blue Valentine and The Place Beyond the Pines, said Roofman allowed him to explore the fine line between humor and tragedy. Inspired by his wife, comedian Shannon Plumb, he set out to make a film that “spins comedy and tragedy on the same coin.”

“I wanted to make a movie that was a ride for people,” he explained. “Something that reminded me of the movies I loved growing up in the ’80s and ’90s — movies like Mrs. Doubtfire — with heart and real stakes.”

The production team even rebuilt a full Toys “R” Us store from scratch in Charlotte, North Carolina, where Manchester had once hidden. The massive 45,000-square-foot space was stripped bare when they found it, but production designer Inbal Weinberg and her team rebuilt it “one tile, one light bulb, one toy at a time.” The nostalgic set became a playground for the cast — with Tatum rushing to the BMX bikes and Kirsten Dunst heading for the Barbie aisle.

Some of the real people from Manchester’s life — including family members, police, and Leigh Wainscott — appear in cameo roles, further grounding the movie in reality. “I wanted everyone to be part of this,” Cianfrance said, emphasizing that the film is meant to be “a positive experience for all involved.”

What Makes Roofman Stand Out in 2025’s Film Landscape

Critics have praised Roofman as one of Channing Tatum’s strongest performances, capturing Manchester’s mix of optimism, recklessness, and charm. The film’s unique tone — equal parts crime caper, emotional drama, and nostalgic comedy — helps it stand out in a crowded movie landscape.

For Cianfrance, Roofman is more than a quirky true-crime adaptation. It’s a story about redemption, consequences, and the strange humanity that exists even in the lives of criminals. “Sometimes I thought Jeff was telling me a tall tale,” the director admitted. “But that was the truth of his life — unbelievable, yet real.”

Roofman is now playing in theaters and streaming on Paramount+, inviting audiences to witness the unbelievable true story — minus one giant bunny suit.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is Roofman based on?

Roofman is based on the true story of Jeffrey Manchester, a former U.S. Army Reserve member who robbed over 60 McDonald’s restaurants and lived undetected inside a Toys “R” Us in Charlotte after escaping prison.

Q2: Why was a scene deleted from Roofman?

A real-life scene showing Manchester entering a police station in a bunny costume to ask for scissors was filmed but cut because audiences found it too unbelievable, despite it actually happening.

Q3: Who stars in Roofman?

Channing Tatum stars as Jeffrey Manchester, alongside Kirsten Dunst, Ben Mendelsohn, Peter Dinklage, Uzo Aduba, Juno Temple, and LaKeith Stanfield.

Q4: How long is Jeffrey Manchester in prison for?

Manchester is serving a 45-year sentence, with nine years spent in solitary confinement. He turned down a seven-year plea deal, believing he had not harmed anyone.

Q5: Where was Roofman filmed?

The film was shot in Charlotte, North Carolina, the same city where Manchester lived inside a Toys “R” Us and committed many of his crimes.