As Toys “R” Us continues opening new stores in the U.S. this fall, the iconic retailer will reach new audiences on the big screen, this time as the setting for one of the most unbelievable true crime stories ever told.
Paramount Pictures has dropped a behind-the-scenes featurette for Roofman, the upcoming drama starring Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, and Peter Dinklage. Directed by Derek Cianfrance (Blue Valentine), the film chronicles the story of Jeffrey Manchester, a former Army Ranger who escaped prison and secretly lived inside a Toys “R” Us for six months while planning his next move.
For the film, production designer Inbal Weinberg and her team rebuilt an entire North Carolina Toys “R” Us, complete with aisles of toys, iconic signage, and nostalgic touches that will resonate with anyone who grew up in the “I Don’t Want to Grow Up” era.
“She sourced actual toys from the time,” says Tatum in the clip, commenting on the authenticity Weinberg brought to the production.
The film follows Manchester (Tatum) as his underground life collides with a budding romance with Leigh (Dunst), a divorced mom, while authorities close in. By mixing crime drama with toy-store nostalgia, Roofman promises to be a unique big-screen experience that connects Hollywood storytelling with a piece of retail history.
Roofman hits theaters on Oct. 10.
