Channing Tatum has been tapped to star in Roofman, a new movie from Derek Cianfrance, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker behind Blue Valentine.
Cianfrance and writer Kirt Gunn penned the script. Deadline reports that “FilmNation and CAA Media Finance are launching the package for the EFM.” The film’s synopsis reads:
“Jeffrey Manchester, an eccentric and charming serial robber who broke into more than 60 McDonald’s overnight via their roofs, then emptied the cash register in the morning after herding staff into freezers. The former U.S. Army Reserve officer became known as the ‘Rooftop Robber’ or ‘Roofman’ and was known for his gentle demeanor and for rarely resorting to violence.
Convicted and imprisoned in 2000, the plucky criminal escaped jail and then evaded capture by holing up for months in a Toys’ R Us and Circuit City store in North Carolina. He lived off baby food and would ride bicycles for exercise in the toy store. After reportedly leaving his fingerprints on a Catch Me If You Can DVD in the electronics store, he was recaptured and sent back to jail. The movie will focus on “Manchester’s months-long odyssey on the lam.”