Derek Cianfrance’s Roofman brings one of America’s most bizarre true crime stories to the big screen with a mix of comedy, drama, and suspense. Starring Channing Tatum as the real-life fugitive Jeffrey Manchester, the film explores the strange tale of a former Army Ranger who robbed McDonald’s through their roofs and later hid inside a Toys “R” Us for six months. With a supporting cast including Kirsten Dunst, Peter Dinklage, and LaKeith Stanfield, the film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival to positive reviews and is set for a wide theatrical release in October 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about the plot, cast, and release details.
Plot: The Unbelievable True Story of Jeffrey Manchester
Roofman is based on the incredible real-life story of Jeffrey Manchester, a former United States Army Reserve officer who struggled to reintegrate into civilian life after serving in the Middle East in the late 1990s. Desperate to provide for his wife and three children, Manchester turned to crime, specifically robbing McDonald’s restaurants by cutting holes in their roofs after hours. His method earned him the nickname “Roofman,” and he successfully robbed over 45 locations before being caught in 1999 and sentenced to 45 years in prison on felony armed robbery and kidnapping charges.
The film picks up with Manchester’s daring escape from prison in 2004, where he hid under a truck to flee and eventually found refuge in an unlikely place: a Toys “R” Us store in North Carolina. For six months, Manchester lived undetected inside the store, sleeping on a rubber pool raft and surviving on stolen snacks like Peanut M&Ms. He spent his days observing the store’s employees through a self-created video system, eventually forming a remote connection with Leigh Wainscott (Kirsten Dunst), a divorced single mother and Toys “R” Us employee.
As Manchester adopts the alias John Zorn, he ventures out of hiding to connect with Leigh, leading to an unexpected romance that complicates his double life. The story becomes a suspenseful game of cat and mouse as federal agents close in on him, forcing Manchester to choose between continuing his life on the run or risking everything for a chance at redemption and love.
Director Derek Cianfrance spent years researching the story, conducting interviews with the real Jeffrey Manchester from prison in 15-minute intervals to ensure authenticity. The film’s narration, delivered by Tatum, is largely drawn from these conversations.
Full List of Cast and Characters
The film features an ensemble cast, with Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst leading the way in what critics are calling career-best performances. Here’s a breakdown of the key cast members and their roles:
| Actor/Actress | Character Name | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Channing Tatum | Jeffrey Manchester | Former Army Ranger turned fugitive known as “Roofman” |
| Kirsten Dunst | Leigh Wainscott | Divorced single mother and Toys “R” Us employee who becomes Manchester’s love interest |
| Peter Dinklage | Mitch | Strict and observant manager of the Toys “R” Us store |
| Ben Mendelsohn | Pastor Ron Smith | Local pastor who offers spiritual guidance to Manchester |
| Uzo Aduba | Eileen | Wife of Pastor Ron Smith |
| LaKeith Stanfield | Steve | Army veteran and Manchester’s friend who helps him avoid capture |
| Juno Temple | Michelle | Steve’s girlfriend and a trusted ally to Manchester |
| Melonie Diaz | Unnamed character | Manchester’s ex-wife |
| Lily Collias | Lindsay Wainscott | Leigh’s eldest daughter |
| Kennedy Moyer | Dee Wainscott | Leigh’s youngest daughter |
| Tony Revolori | Duane | Manager of a McDonald’s location targeted by Manchester |
| Jimmy O. Yang | Unnamed character | Used-car salesman who provides comic relief |
| Emory Cohen | Otis | Employee at Toys “R” Us |
The cast also includes Molly Price in a supporting town role and Gabe Fazio as Vincent Massi, among others. Director Derek Cianfrance incorporated real-life individuals connected to the story in minor roles, including the truck driver who helped Manchester escape from prison.
Production and Director’s Vision
Roofman is directed by Derek Cianfrance, known for his work on emotionally driven films like Blue Valentine and The Place Beyond the Pines. For this project, Cianfrance co-wrote the screenplay with Kirt Gunn, based on an earlier script by David Stephens and Peter Petrucci. The film is produced by Jamie Patricof, Lynette Howell Taylor, Alex Orlovsky, Duncan Montgomery, and Dylan Sellers.
Production began in October 2024 in Gastonia, North Carolina, with filming taking place at locations such as Freedom Park, Mecklenburg County Jail North, and the Gaston County Courthouse. Cinematographer Andrij Parekh shot the film on 35mm, adding a layer of authenticity to the visual storytelling. The production design team, led by Inbal Weinberg, re-created an abandoned Toys “R” Us store outside Charlotte to match its early 2000s appearance, a detail that has been praised for its accuracy.
Cianfrance aimed to balance the film’s tone, blending elements of crime, comedy, and romance to create a crowd-pleasing experience while staying true to the story’s emotional core. The director’s focus on human relationships is evident in the portrayal of Manchester’s internal struggles and his connection with Leigh.
Release Date and Theatrical Run
Roofman had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2025, where it received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release in the United States on October 10, 2025, distributed by Paramount Pictures and Miramax. The release date was moved from its original October 3 slot to avoid competition with other major films.
Internationally, the film will premiere at the BFI London Film Festival on October 14, 2025, followed by theatrical releases in various countries:
- United Kingdom and Ireland: October 17, 2025
- Australia and Singapore: October 16, 2025
- Mexico: November 13, 2025
- Spain: November 14, 2025
- Germany: November 27, 2025
- Brazil: December 4, 2025
OTT Release Date Explored
While Roofman is set for a wide theatrical release, details about its availability on streaming platforms remain unclear. Based on industry patterns, the film is expected to debut on digital and OTT services in early 2026, following its theatrical window. Paramount Pictures has not yet announced which streaming service will host the film, but it may likely appear on Paramount+ or other major platforms due to the studio’s involvement.
Early Reception and Critical Response
Early reviews from the Toronto International Film Festival have praised Roofman for its engaging storytelling and strong performances. Critics have highlighted Channing Tatum’s portrayal of Manchester as a career-defining role, balancing charm, humor, and emotional depth. Kirsten Dunst has also been commended for bringing warmth and sincerity to her character, Leigh.
The film currently holds an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 17 reviews, with many critics noting its unique blend of genres and heartfelt narrative. However, some reviews have pointed out that the film avoids deeper explorations of the societal issues that led Manchester to crime, focusing instead on the entertaining aspects of the story.
Rumors and Additional Details
Several rumors have surfaced about the film, including the possibility of a director’s cut featuring extended interviews with the real Jeffrey Manchester. There are also whispers of an uncut nude scene involving Peter Dinklage’s character, which Tatum described as “one of the most absurd, hilarious moments we captured.” Additionally, the real Manchester may have made a cameo appearance in the film, though this has not been officially confirmed.
With its compelling story and standout performances, Roofman is poised to be one of the most talked-about films of 2025.
Also Read: Channing Tatum Opens Up About Difficult Divorce and Co-Parenting With Jenna Dewan
