After an eight-year hiatus, director Derek Cianfrance is making a dramatic return with Roofman, a film that promises both action and heart. With Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst leading the cast, Roofman tells the jaw-dropping true story of Jeffrey Manchester, who, in the late '90s, embarked on a bizarre crime spree, robbing McDonald's restaurants across the U.S. and hiding out in a Toys ‘R Us. Yes, you read that right.
Manchester managed to pull off between 40 and 60 robberies, living undetected in the Charlotte, North Carolina Toys ‘R Us for months. He survived on baby food and kids' snacks, riding bikes through the store's aisles at night to stay in shape. While on the run, Manchester fell in love with a single mother (Dunst's character) who had no idea he was one of America's most-wanted criminals.
The pairing of Channing Tatum as Manchester and Kirsten Dunst as his love interest adds major star power to a story that is as thrilling as it is surreal. Tatum, known for his charisma, is expected to bring depth to the role of a criminal who became infamous for his bold heists and unexpected romantic connection. Dunst, who has a proven track record in both indie and mainstream films, is a perfect fit for the emotionally complex role of the unsuspecting girlfriend.
Derek Cianfrance, the director behind Blue Valentine and The Place Beyond the Pines, is no stranger to crafting intimate, character-driven stories with high emotional stakes. Despite the mixed reception of his last film, The Light Between Oceans (2016), Roofman could mark a major comeback. The wild, true-crime premise, combined with Cianfrance's unique ability to explore human connections, seems like a match made in cinema heaven.
Roofman is slated to start production soon, with Miramax securing both domestic and international rights. This long-awaited film will undoubtedly be one to watch when it hits theaters, offering a captivating mix of crime, romance, and real-life drama.
