Channing Tatum recently opened up about the challenges he faced while filming a nude scene for his new movie, Roofman. Playing Jeffrey Manchester, a real-life burglar known for breaking into stores through roofs, Tatum described the experience as highly uncomfortable. The film, set largely inside a Toys R Us store where Manchester hides out for six months after escaping prison, features a scene that left Tatum particularly uneasy during production.
Behind the Scenes of the Shower Encounter
During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the actor recalled talking about the scene where his character Jeffrey Manchester meets Peter Dinklage’s character, Mitch, while showering inside the store. Fallon asked if filming the scene was embarrassing, to which Tatum responded emphatically.
“I don’t care what you feel about how confident you are with everything going on. It’s your worst nightmare.”
– Channing Tatum
Tatum emphasized that he was the only person naked on set while everyone else wore clothes, making the moment even more discomforting. He described the situation as the “ultimate worst nightmare,” underscoring his vulnerability during this shoot.
The Unexpected Lack of Coverage and Director’s Uncertainty
Usually, Tatum wears some form of coverage like a thong or underwear in nude scenes, but for Roofman, this was not the case. He recounted showing up on the day of the shoot expecting a clear plan on how the scene would be filmed discreetly.
“I show up on the day and I’m like, ‘So how are we gonna film this?’”
– Channing Tatum
“I read over it in the script and I was like, ‘Yeah, there’s gonna be a plan for that…’”
– Channing Tatum
However, director Derek Cianfrance told him they had not yet decided how to shoot the scene, which added to Tatum’s unease.
“And I’m like, ‘What? What do you mean you don’t know how we’re gonna shoot this? And he’s like, ‘We’ll figure it out,’”
– Channing Tatum
Filming Details and Coping Mechanisms
For the scene, Tatum had to position himself on a bike rack, with the camera aimed closely. He mentioned mentally dissociating to manage the intensity of the moment but praised Peter Dinklage for his support during the shoot.
After filming concluded, director Cianfrance reached out to Tatum, unsure about how to handle the explicit footage.
“I’m like, ‘Don’t make it look weird, don’t make it NC-17.’”
– Channing Tatum
Significance of the Roofman Scene and Its Impact
This scene highlights the vulnerability actors sometimes face when portraying real-life stories, especially in moments requiring nudity without usual modesty aids. Channing Tatum’s openness about his discomfort and the director’s uncertainty reflect the challenges within filmmaking when balancing authenticity with the actor’s comfort. As Roofman moves forward in its release, this candid account may resonate with viewers interested in the realities behind complex scenes. Tatum’s experience could also influence how such scenes are approached in future productions, potentially prompting clearer planning to support actors in vulnerable moments.
