Channing Tatum Stars in True-Life Drama Roofman After Director’s Four-Year Prison Phone Research

A new film tells the incredible true story of a fugitive who lived inside a toy store. “Roofman” is based on the life of Jeffrey Manchester. Director Derek Cianfrance spent years developing the project.

Cianfrance communicated with Manchester through prison phone calls. He also interviewed many people involved in the actual events. The film aims to capture the emotional truth of this unusual story.

From Fast-Food Robberies to Toy Store Hideout

Jeffrey Manchester was a former Army Ranger. He robbed dozens of McDonald’s restaurants to support his family. His method of entering through roofs earned him the “Roofman” nickname.

After being captured, Manchester staged a daring prison escape. He then hid inside a Toys “R” Us for six months. During this time, he maintained a secret relationship with a local woman.

According to Reuters, such long-term hideouts in retail spaces are extremely rare. The film explores how Manchester evaded detection while living among toys. He managed to maintain a double life within the community.

Documentary Approach to Filmmaking

Director Derek Cianfrance used his documentary background for this project. He shot the film in Charlotte, North Carolina where the events occurred. This allowed him to incorporate real locations and people into the movie.

Many actual participants appear in the film. The production rebuilt a former Toys “R” Us location from the ground up. They filled it with period-appropriate toys to recreate the authentic environment.

Cianfrance told The Associated Press that authenticity was crucial. He wanted Channing Tatum to experience something similar to Manchester’s reality. The set design helped actors connect with the strange circumstances of the story.

The film blends drama with physical comedy. Tatum’s character spends much time alone in the toy store. His physical performance conveys the isolation and strange reality of this experience.

“Roofman” represents a unique blend of true crime and human drama that showcases both the absurdity and emotional depth of an extraordinary true story, bringing Jeffrey Manchester’s unusual journey to the big screen with remarkable authenticity.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the Roofman movie based on?

The film is based on the true story of Jeffrey Manchester. He was a former Army Ranger who robbed McDonald’s restaurants and later hid in a Toys “R” Us. The director conducted extensive research through prison interviews.

Who stars in the new Roofman film?

Channing Tatum plays the lead role of Jeffrey Manchester. Kirsten Dunst portrays his girlfriend Leigh during his hideout. The cast includes both professional actors and real people involved in the actual events.

How long did the real Roofman hide in the toy store?

Jeffrey Manchester lived undetected inside the Toys “R” Us for six months. He maintained a secret life in the community during this period. The film explores how he managed this extraordinary feat.

Where was the Roofman movie filmed?

Production took place in Charlotte, North Carolina where the real events occurred. The crew rebuilt an actual former Toys “R” Us location for authenticity. Many real locations from the original story appear in the film.

Why did Jeffrey Manchester rob McDonald’s restaurants?

Manchester committed the robberies to support his family financially. He entered through the roofs, hence his “Roofman” nickname. The film explores his motivations and circumstances leading to these actions.