The Truth Is Often Crazier Than Fiction — 'Roofman' Brings Toys “R” Us Back to Life
- Film Focus Team
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
September 29, 2025
What happens when a real-life outlaw pulls off one of the most unbelievable hideouts in modern history? Paramount Pictures’ upcoming film Roofman dives into the stranger-than-fiction story of Jeffrey Manchester, a former Army Ranger turned roof-crawling thief, who stunned the nation with his audacious crimes—and even more audacious hideout.
Now, fans can go behind the scenes with the cast and crew in a brand-new featurette showcasing how a long-gone childhood icon, Toys “R” Us, was resurrected for the film.
🎥 Watch the featurette here
Building a Playground for Crime
Director Derek Cianfrance (Blue Valentine, The Place Beyond the Pines) teams up with production designer Inbal Weinberg to craft one of the most jaw-dropping sets of the year: a fully realised Toys “R” Us. For Manchester, played by Channing Tatum, this iconic toy store becomes more than a symbol of nostalgia—it’s his home, his hideout, and the stage where his double life begins to collapse.
The featurette dives into the meticulous detail behind reconstructing the beloved retailer, from the towering aisles of toys to the neon-lit magic that defined so many childhoods.
A Cast of Heavyweights
Roofman boasts a powerhouse ensemble:
Channing Tatum as Jeffrey Manchester, the charming but conflicted fugitive
Kirsten Dunst as Leigh, a divorced mother drawn into his orbit
Peter Dinklage in a pivotal role that amps up the tension
Supporting performances from Ben Mendelsohn, LaKeith Stanfield, Juno Temple, Melonie Diaz, Uzo Aduba, Jimmy O. Yang, and more
With Cianfrance’s trademark emotional intensity, the film promises both suspense and surprising intimacy, exploring how love and desperation collide in the most unexpected of places.
A Story You Have to See to Believe
Based on a true story, Roofman isn’t just about crime—it’s about survival, identity, and the risks we take when chasing freedom. Whether you grew up walking the aisles of Toys “R” Us or you’re hearing Manchester’s tale for the first time, this is one story that proves reality truly is stranger than fiction.
'Roofman' releases in cinemas October 17