Channing Tatum Addresses Crew’s Concerns Over His Dramatic Weight Loss for New Film

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Channing Tatum has addressed concerns raised by people on the set of his upcoming film, Roofman, about his noticeably thinner physique during production.

The actor claimed the situation was blown out of proportion and that people on set weren’t worried about his well-being.

The movie stars Channing Tatum as Jeffrey Manchester, a man based on a true story who famously broke into McDonald’s restaurants by climbing onto the roofs. Manchester, a veteran, was arrested in 1999 and received a lengthy prison sentence, but he managed to escape by stowing away under a truck. While on the run, he remarkably lived undetected inside a toy store for several months, relying on snacks and baby food to survive.

How far would you go to change who you are? #Roofman is coming only to theatres October 10.

— Roofman (@RoofmanMovie) June 25, 2025

For the role, I heard Channing Tatum actually lost about five stone to really embody the character’s lean physique. He recently told *LADbible* that the reports of everyone on set being worried about his weight loss were a bit exaggerated. Apparently, it was mostly Mary Ellis, the First Assistant Director, who stepped in. He described her as a real mother figure and said she told him, ‘You’ve done enough, you don’t need to lose any more weight!’ It’s good to know someone was looking out for him.

The actor explained he didn’t rely on strict dieting to get in shape, and actually felt healthier than he had in years. He mentioned that he’d recently played a role where he intentionally gained weight, reaching 240 pounds. He said he gains and loses weight easily, which can be both a benefit and a challenge.

I remember hearing that the assistant director once offered Channing Tatum a steak, worried he was losing too much weight for the role. But Channing explained it wasn’t a big deal at all. He said it was just a kind thought, and everyone was happy with how his weight was progressing. He basically said they all agreed he was exactly where he needed to be, so there wasn’t any real worry.

The movie clearly shows Channing Tatum’s physical transformation, including a nude scene highlighting his toned body. He credits his weight loss to consistency, explaining, “If you stick to a plan, you’ll achieve your goals.”

Director Cianfrance wrote the screenplay for *Roofman* with Channing Tatum in mind, believing he was perfectly suited for the role. Tatum prepared by spending over two months talking directly with the man the character is based on, Jeffrey Manchester.

He explained that he spoke with someone – he named Manchester – for nearly two and a half months, every single day. He wanted the conversation to be a genuine exchange, not just an interrogation. He specifically didn’t want to only ask questions about the other person’s life, and was pleased that Manchester showed a reciprocal interest, asking him plenty of questions about his own life as well.

Tatum said Manchester was a consistently positive person and that those who knew him often considered him unusually quick to apologize. He remains incarcerated, with a projected release date in 2036.

The movie has sparked varied opinions. Some viewers feel it portrays Manchester in an overly sympathetic light, while others appreciate its candid portrayal of a complicated individual.

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2025-10-17 06:14