, a gritty crime drama starring Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst as a prison escapee on the run — living in Toys R Us until October 10 release.){kind=link}
Release date
October 10, 2025
Trailer
Directed by:
Distributed by:
Main Cast
Channing Tatum as Jeffrey Manchester
Channing Tatum takes the lead as Jeffrey Manchester, a man whose life takes a strange turn after leaving the military.
Known as “Roofman,” Manchester became infamous for robbing McDonald’s locations by breaking in through the roof.
But the story takes an even stranger turn after he escapes from prison and secretly lives in the walls of a North Carolina Toys “R” Us under a new identity—John Zorn.
Tatum delivers a layered performance, portraying Manchester not just as a thief, but as a lonely, intelligent man seeking connection and redemption in a world that keeps closing in on him.
Kirsten Dunst as Leigh Wainscott
Kirsten Dunst plays Leigh Wainscott, a kind-hearted, recently divorced Toys “R” Us employee and single mother.
She unknowingly befriends Manchester during his time in hiding. As the story unfolds, Leigh becomes more than just a colleague—she’s his emotional anchor.
Their unexpected romantic connection gives the film its emotional pulse, making Dunst’s role vital to humanizing a man otherwise seen as a criminal.
Peter Dinklage as the Store Manager
Though his character name hasn’t been revealed, Peter Dinklage plays the no-nonsense manager of the Toys “R” Us store.
His character serves as both a source of tension and subtle comic relief, especially as Manchester operates right under his nose.
Dinklage brings his trademark intensity to the role, creating moments of suspense and irony as the manager slowly senses something isn’t quite right.
Ben Mendelsohn as Pastor Ron Smith
Ben Mendelsohn steps into the role of Ron Smith, a local pastor who crosses paths with Manchester during his time on the run.
Mendelsohn is no stranger to morally complex characters, and here he provides spiritual contrast to Manchester’s criminal life.
His presence adds a philosophical edge to the film, raising questions about redemption, guilt, and forgiveness.
LaKeith Stanfield as a Criminal Associate
LaKeith Stanfield plays one of Manchester’s former criminal accomplices—likely from his early robbery days before prison.
His role helps contextualize Manchester’s criminal history and provides a counterbalance to his desire for a fresh start.
Stanfield’s calm intensity adds texture to the story, reminding us of the life Manchester is trying to leave behind.
Juno Temple as a Loyal Friend
Juno Temple appears as one of the few people Manchester trusts while he’s in hiding.
Though details about her character remain under wraps, she represents the kind of emotional support system Manchester clings to in his fractured life.
Temple’s knack for portraying quirky, emotionally complex characters will likely make her role stand out.
Uzo Aduba in a Key Supporting Role
While her character name hasn’t been disclosed, Uzo Aduba plays a pivotal part—possibly someone within the community or law enforcement who becomes entangled in the hunt for Manchester.
Known for commanding presence and emotional range, Aduba is expected to bring gravitas to a role that influences the narrative’s turning points.
Jimmy O. Yang & Lily Collias
Jimmy O. Yang offers a touch of comic relief in the supporting cast, possibly as a quirky friend or co-worker, injecting levity into the otherwise tense atmosphere.
Lily Collias, meanwhile, plays Leigh Wainscott’s daughter—offering a glimpse into Leigh’s personal life and raising the stakes for Manchester’s emotional journey as he forms a bond with the child as well.
Tony Revolori as Dwayne
Tony Revolori plays Dwayne, a McDonald’s manager who crosses paths with Manchester during one of his rooftop robberies.
His role helps lay the foundation of Manchester’s criminal methods and connects the story to the infamous “roof entry” pattern that earned Manchester his nickname.
Other cast
Emory Cohen – Fugitive or ally in escape sequence
Melonie Díaz – Community connection
Molly Price – Supporting town role
Kevin Triola – Minor community/staff role
Dan Marks – Minor community/staff role
Overview
Roofman arrives October 10, 2025, bringing director Derek Cianfrance’s signature blend of raw emotion and high-stakes drama to the true story of Jeffrey Manchester.
Known as “Roofman,” Manchester’s bizarre six-month hideout—in the walls of a Toys “R” Us—follows a prison break and a string of rooftop McDonald’s heists.
At its heart, this is a tale of loneliness, ingenuity, and the yearning for human connection.
What to Expect
• Channing Tatum as Jeffrey Manchester
Tatum anchors the film with a performance that balances Manchester’s clever criminal mind with his deep-seated need for belonging. You’ll root for him even as he scales rooftops in the cover of night.
• Kirsten Dunst as Leigh Wainscott
Dunst brings warmth and sincerity to Leigh, a divorced single mom who befriends Manchester without realizing her new coworker is a fugitive. Their unlikely bond is the emotional core of the story.
• An Ensemble That Brings the Town to Life
From Peter Dinklage’s wary store manager to Ben Mendelsohn’s compassionate pastor, each supporting character—played by LaKeith Stanfield, Juno Temple, Uzo Aduba, Jimmy O. Yang, Melonie Diaz, Molly Price, Emory Cohen, Lily Collias, and Tony Revolori—adds texture and heart to Manchester’s world.
Plot & Stakes
After a daring 2004 prison escape, Jeffrey Manchester slips into the walls of a North Carolina Toys “R” Us under the alias John Zorn.
By night, he continues his trademark “roof entries” into McDonald’s; by day, he scavenges store goods and lives in constant fear of discovery.
Everything changes when Leigh Wainscott senses something more to her new coworker.
As their friendship deepens into something more, Manchester must decide whether to keep running or risk everything for a chance at a new life.
With federal agents tightening the net, every rooftop heist and secret rendezvous carries the weight of exposure.
Release & Where to Watch
Roofman opens nationwide on October 10, 2025. Look for the usual theatrical release roll-out, followed by an early 2026 debut on streaming platforms (details TBA).
Rumors You Should Know
1. Director’s-Cut Extras
Word is Cianfrance filmed extensive interviews with the real Jeffrey Manchester—rumored to appear in a later home-video or streaming “director’s cut.”
2. Uncut ‘Nude Sequence’
Early whispers suggest the infamous scene where Manchester panics in the store after nearly being caught might play unedited in special editions—Tatum himself called it “one of the most absurd, hilarious moments we captured.”
3. Manchester’s Cameo
Some crew members claim the real Roofman visited set and slipped into a bit part—keep an eye out for a familiar face in the background!
4. Awards Season Look
Although Roofman delivers pulse-pounding heists, insiders say tear-jerking moments could put Tatum and Dunst in the conversation when awards season rolls around.
Conclusion
With its mix of cat-and-mouse thrills and deeply human stakes, Roofman promises to be more than just another heist movie.
It’s a character study, a romance, and a reflection on what drives us to risk it all for connection. Mark your calendars for October 10—and get ready to cheer on cinema’s most unlikely antihero.