Channing Tatum ‘Concerned’ Crew When He Lost 70 Lbs. for “Roofman” Role: ‘Get Him a Steak’

Channing Tatum’s Dramatic Weight Loss for ‘Roofman’ Role Raises Concerns Among Crew

Channing Tatum, the renowned actor, surprised many with his remarkable transformation for the role of real-life criminal Jeffrey Manchester in the movie ‘Roofman’. The actor revealed that he shed a staggering 70 lbs. for the character, leaving the crew on set feeling “concerned” about his well-being. Tatum shared that his weight loss was quite unexpected, as he had initially planned to slim down after bulking up for a previous role. However, as filming progressed, the weight continued to drop off, much to the surprise of everyone involved in the project.

The plot of ‘Roofman’ revolves around the true story of Jeffrey Manchester, who managed to escape from prison and took refuge inside the walls of a Toys ‘R’ Us store. Tatum, aged 45, explained that the character of Jeff required a more slender physique, quite different from his own. He opened up to Variety about his weight journey, mentioning that he had set a target weight of 185 lbs. after reaching 240 lbs. for a thriller role. Nonetheless, during the filming of the crime comedy-drama, Tatum found himself going down to a striking 172 lbs, much lower than his initial goal.

Director Derek Cianfrance shared insights into the concern that arose among the crew due to Tatum’s weight loss. The assistant director, Mary Ellis, even went as far as jokingly suggesting to “get him a steak right now” to address the situation. Tatum reflected on his character’s emotional state, mentioning feelings of “emptiness” and “sadness” that he had to portray. He expressed how embodying Jeff’s loneliness and emptiness took its toll, leaving him feeling hollow at times. The actor used this experience as a form of meditation, delving into the depths of the character’s psyche.

For Tatum, the weight loss journey was not just physical but also psychological. He shared his inner struggle of trying to fill an “empty vessel” and the challenges that came with it. Director Cianfrance shed light on the practical aspect of the weight loss, highlighting the necessity for Tatum to fit into tight spaces and live within the walls of a Toys ‘R’ Us store for the role of Jeff. Tatum’s dedication to his craft and willingness to undergo such transformations for his characters have garnered admiration from fans and industry peers alike.

In an Instagram post in March, Tatum hinted at bidding farewell to extreme weight fluctuations for roles, acknowledging the toll it takes on his body. He expressed gratitude towards his support team comprising a chef, nutritionist, and trainer, who have been instrumental in aiding his weight transformations. Tatum humorously stated his decision to refrain from taking on “fat roles” in the future, recognizing the challenges and risks associated with such drastic changes in weight.

Tatum’s commitment to his craft and his willingness to push his physical boundaries for the sake of a role showcase his dedication to the art of acting. His portrayal of Jeff in ‘Roofman’ not only required a physical transformation but also a deep dive into the character’s emotional complexities. As Tatum moves forward in his career, his fans eagerly anticipate the diverse and immersive performances he will continue to deliver on the silver screen.