Channing Tatum Was ‘Full Monty’ in 1st “Roofman ”Scene with Peter Dinklage, Director Says: ‘Nothing to Hide Behind’ (Exclusive)

Channing Tatum Bares All in ‘Roofman’ Scene with Peter Dinklage

In a recent exclusive interview with PEOPLE, movie director Derek Cianfrance disclosed some interesting behind-the-scenes details about the upcoming film ‘Roofman’. The director reminisced about his time on set and highlighted the impeccable performances of stars Channing Tatum and Peter Dinklage.

Attending a special screening of ‘Roofman’ at The Crosby Street Hotel in New York City on Sept. 8, Cianfrance shared that despite the fast-paced shooting schedule of around 35 days, he cherished many fond memories from the production. He particularly praised Peter Dinklage’s captivating presence and comic prowess, which he found to be truly infectious.

In the crime drama, Peter Dinklage portrays store manager Mitch, while Channing Tatum takes on the role of former Army Ranger Jeffrey Manchester, who finds himself entangled in a romantic liaison with a divorced mother played by Kirsten Dunst while hiding out in a Toys “R” Us store.

The standout moment for Cianfrance during filming was a scene where Dinklage’s character catches Tatum’s character showering in the middle of the night. Describing the scene as a memorable one, Cianfrance revealed that Tatum had to be completely nude for the shoot as there was no way to conceal anything.

What made this particular scene even more amusing was that it marked the first meeting between Tatum and Dinklage on set. Cianfrance had intentionally kept the two actors apart before filming so that their on-screen interaction would carry a sense of surprise and novelty, ensuring a genuine chemistry between them.

Interestingly, Cianfrance shared that he had frequent conversations with the real-life convict, Jeffrey Manchester, the character upon whom Tatum’s role is based. Manchester, who famously lived in a Toys “R” Us store after committing a string of robberies at McDonald’s outlets, is currently serving a 40-year sentence in Central Prison, North Carolina.

As the film ‘Roofman’ delves into Manchester’s unbelievable story of evading capture by residing in the toy store, Cianfrance expressed his astonishment at the real-life events that inspired the movie. He mentioned speaking to the arresting officers who confirmed the surreal nature of Manchester’s escapades.

Set for release on October 10, ‘Roofman’ promises a riveting exploration of Manchester’s extraordinary tale, brought to life through the stellar performances of the cast led by Tatum and Dinklage. With an intriguing storyline and a cast of talented actors, this crime drama is set to captivate audiences with its blend of humour, suspense, and heartfelt moments.