Channing Tatum Stars as Escaped Convict in ‘Roofman’ – True Crime Drama Set for October Release
Hollywood, 25 June 2025 – Paramount Pictures has officially unveiled the first trailer for Roofman, an upcoming crime drama based on the bizarre true story of Jeffrey Manchester—an escaped convict who famously lived a double life hiding inside a toy store. The film stars Channing Tatum as the charming yet troubled lead and Kirsten Dunst as the woman who unexpectedly falls for him.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Derek Cianfrance (Blue Valentine, The Place Beyond the Pines), Roofman is already generating buzz as one of the year’s most intriguing true-crime films. With a star-studded ensemble and a plot that blurs the line between fact and fiction, the movie is set to hit theaters on October 10.
A Real-Life Story Stranger Than Fiction
The film draws inspiration from the real-life escapades of Jeffrey Manchester, a former Army Ranger who gained notoriety in the early 2000s for robbing McDonald’s restaurants and later escaping from prison. But his story took a truly bizarre turn when he lived undetected inside a Toys “R” Us store for months while plotting his next moves—and falling in love in the process.
Manchester, dubbed “The Roofman” for his unique habit of entering buildings through their roofs, captivated the media with his criminal creativity and surprising charm. He wasn’t your typical fugitive—he avoided violence, used minimal force during robberies, and created a nearly cinematic story of reinvention, deceit, and emotional complexity.
Tatum Transforms Into ‘The Roofman’
In Roofman, Channing Tatum takes on the layered role of Jeffrey Manchester. The film’s trailer—released Wednesday—opens with scenes of Manchester robbing a McDonald’s, followed by tense sequences showing his escape from prison and his secretive life inside a toy store.
Tatum, known for roles in Magic Mike, Foxcatcher, and 21 Jump Street, appears to fully inhabit the complex psychology of Manchester—a man who is both likable and dangerous, relatable and unpredictable.
From Soldier to Criminal
The trailer hints at Manchester’s military background and how his disciplined, methodical nature shaped his crimes. His transition from a trained Army Ranger to a calculating criminal adds a compelling narrative twist, highlighting themes of trauma, identity, and survival.
Kirsten Dunst Plays the Woman Caught in the Crossfire
Opposite Tatum is Kirsten Dunst, who plays Leigh, a local woman who becomes romantically involved with Manchester without realizing his true identity. As their relationship deepens, so does the tension, with Leigh unwittingly drawn into a dangerous web of lies.
Dunst, a Golden Globe-nominated actress known for The Power of the Dog and Fargo, brings emotional weight and nuance to the role. The chemistry between Tatum and Dunst, glimpsed in the trailer, promises a compelling mix of romance and psychological suspense.
A Stellar Supporting Cast
Roofman boasts an ensemble cast packed with talent:
- Ben Mendelsohn (Rogue One, Bloodline)
- LaKeith Stanfield (Judas and the Black Messiah, Atlanta)
- Juno Temple (Ted Lasso)
- Melonie Diaz (Fruitvale Station)
- Uzo Aduba (Orange Is the New Black)
- Lily Collins (Emily in Paris)
- Jimmy O. Yang (Silicon Valley)
- Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones)
Each character plays a role in the cat-and-mouse chase as Manchester’s lies begin to unravel and law enforcement inches closer to uncovering the truth.
Official Synopsis and Trailer Highlights
According to Paramount’s official synopsis:
“Jeffrey Manchester, a charming and brilliant former Army Ranger, escapes prison and assumes a quiet life hiding inside a Toys ‘R’ Us store. While eluding authorities, he falls for a local woman named Leigh, but his double life begins to unravel—triggering a suspenseful game of cat and mouse that explores love, identity, and the consequences of reinvention.”
The trailer shows Manchester modifying the interior of the toy store to survive—installing furniture, cooking in the breakroom, and using the store’s resources to evade capture. It also teases high-stakes sequences involving law enforcement, internal conflict, and emotional breakdowns, building up to a dramatic confrontation.
Derek Cianfrance Returns With Another Emotional Thriller
Director Derek Cianfrance, known for exploring flawed human characters and emotionally charged stories, is a perfect fit for this layered true-crime adaptation. His previous films have been praised for their authenticity, raw emotion, and complex characters—and Roofman looks poised to continue that tradition.
Speaking about the project, Cianfrance said:
“This is a story about contradiction—the pull between redemption and deception, connection and isolation. Manchester is not just a criminal; he’s a deeply human character. That’s what drew me to this project.”
Why ‘Roofman’ Is Poised to Be a Sleeper Hit
The success of recent true-crime inspired dramas such as Catch Me If You Can, Blow, and American Made shows that audiences remain fascinated by charming anti-heroes who lead double lives. Roofman taps into this appeal while adding a fresh emotional angle through the unexpected romance.
The movie also benefits from excellent timing. With streaming platforms saturated by true-crime documentaries, a theatrical release with big-name stars and a unique premise could draw both casual viewers and serious film buffs.
Additionally, Roofman has the ingredients to be a critical darling: an emotional core, moral ambiguity, a dramatic escape story, and a love story set against the backdrop of surveillance, secrecy, and second chances.
Real-Life ‘Roofman’: Where Is Jeffrey Manchester Now?
For those curious about the real Jeffrey Manchester, his criminal career came to an end when he was recaptured after several months on the run. His strange yet resourceful methods—including living undetected inside retail stores—turned him into an odd pop-culture figure, even inspiring online fan communities.
Manchester is currently serving a long prison sentence. His story continues to intrigue criminologists and media scholars alike for the unusual blend of discipline, charm, and psychological complexity that defined his escapades.
Release Date and Where to Watch
Roofman is scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release on October 10, 2025. Following its run in cinemas, it is expected to stream on Paramount+ in early 2026.
Final Thoughts
Blending elements of suspense, romance, and psychological drama, Roofman could be one of the most talked-about films of the year. With Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst delivering standout performances, and a story that’s both stranger than fiction and deeply human, this true-crime tale is set to leave a lasting mark on audiences.
Whether you’re a fan of thrillers, character-driven dramas, or real-life crime adaptations, Roofman is a must-watch this fall.