When Channing Tatum found out Kirsten Dunst would be starring alongside him in “Roofman,” he was overjoyed. But then a bit of worry crept in.
“I don’t usually get nervous about working with others, but come on, that’s Kirsten Dunst,” Tatum shared with Vogue. “I knew I had to step up my game because she’s incredible. Her career is flawless—every project is a hit.”
Directed by Derek Cianfrance of “Blue Valentine” fame, “Roofman” is a standout addition to Dunst’s filmography. The movie tells the true story of Jeff Manchester (played by Tatum), a convicted robber nicknamed “Roofman” for his method of breaking into McDonald’s by drilling through roofs, calmly directing staff into freezers, and stealing from the cash registers. Manchester was caught by police in January 2005 but later escaped and hid out in a Toys “R” Us in Charlotte, North Carolina, for months.
Dunst portrays Leigh Wainscott, a single mother and Toys “R” Us employee who forms a bond with Jeff. Starting as a crime story, the film shifts into an unexpected romantic comedy as Jeff bonds with Leigh’s kids and joins her church, all while hiding his true identity and living among the bicycles at her store. Despite the shaky premise for a relationship, Dunst and Tatum’s electric chemistry makes you cheer for them.
“An actor’s role is to show what it means to be human, and Kirsten is as genuine as they come,” Cianfrance said of Dunst. “In my view, she’s the best actor in the world.”
Since her breakthrough in 1994’s “Interview with the Vampire,” Dunst has become one of today’s most adaptable actors. (Remember, she starred in “Dick,” “The Virgin Suicides,” and “Drop Dead Gorgeous” all in one year.) While “Roofman” might seem straightforward, Cianfrance’s direction uncovers surprising depth and humor in the tale of a man seeking connection and the woman caught in his deception. (It’s also Tatum’s best work since “Magic Mike.”)
Photo: Courtesy of Paramount/Davi Russo
“Whenever I make a film, I don’t put pressure on myself because I never expect many people to see it,” Dunst said during a ginger tea chat at her Upper East Side hotel. “I focus on what I want to experience—I’m willing to go anywhere and do anything for an interesting project.”
With “Roofman” now in theaters, Dunst spoke with Vogue about meeting the real Leigh, reminiscing on “Drop Dead Gorgeous,” and teaming up again with Sofia Coppola.
Vogue: I have to admit, when I heard you were in a movie called “Roofman,” I thought, I hope she’s not stuck in a typical girlfriend role…
Kirsten Dunst: It could have been that. I didn’t even read the script at first; my team just told me Derek really wanted me in it. Leigh isn’t a part I’d usually jump at.
Why not?
I’m not usually eager to play “the girlfriend.” But I’d take any role to work with Derek, and after reading the script, I knew I could connect with Leigh. This came to me right after “Civil War” and “The Power of the Dog,” when I hadn’t done anything lighthearted in a while. My mother- and sister-in-law are from Texas, so I’m familiar with spirited Southern women and thought I could draw from that.
How did you prepare?
The accent was a big help. Since Leigh isn’t famous, I didn’t feel pressured to mimic her exactly. I worked with a coach who suggested finding someone from North Carolina I admired, so I searched online and found an interview with a young Emmylo…You know, Harris. I don’t sound like her in the movie, but there was something so sweet and comforting about her tone. I watched that interview a lot during filming. Derek also showed me a video where Leigh talks about her whole experience, so I had that to refer back to. But for me, it was more important to carry the sense of love she had for Jeff into my performance.
I don’t consider myself particularly religious, but I was really moved by how the film portrays Leigh’s faith. It’s such a grounding force in her life, but the film never feels like it’s trying to convert the audience.
One thing that struck me when I met Leigh is how much grace she had about the situation. She still talks to Jeff and has a lot of love for him. What she went through was tough because Jeff was the love of her life, but I think her faith is a big part of what kept her so level-headed. Christianity was a source of love and goodness for her and gave her a sense of community—you know, how it should be!
How did you feel about Derek asking you and Channing not to talk before filming, so he could capture your first interaction on camera?
It puts so much more pressure on your first scene when you’re not allowed to meet beforehand. It’s always weird to walk into a room and suddenly have to act together! During pre-production, Channing would be in the next room trying on fake beards or whatever, and I’d always walk by trying to peek through the door. Derek likes to play with reality and capture a feeling on camera instead of rehearsing everything to death. He’s afraid of losing that spark and really wants to capture those moments of awkward reality, so the way he sets things up is very emotionally freeing for his actors.
I could imagine a lesser version of the film where your character gets swept off her feet by Jeff, but I love that your first scene with Channing completely undercuts that idea. You’re the one who asks him out on a date and invites him back to your place for sex.
When Derek started watching the dailies, he said, “I’m surprised that Leigh is kinda tough.” I replied, “Well, if you’re a single mom raising two teenage girls by yourself, you’ve gotta be tough.” Who knows if she’s even dated anyone since her ex-husband? Probably not, which is why I think Jeff kinda bowls her over. She’s like, Who’s this unicorn that’s been dropped from the sky into my church?
How involved was the actual Leigh during production?
She came to set and I got to meet her. She’s in the movie too—I think she plays a crossing guard.
I got the impression from Derek that a lot of minor characters in Roofman are played by the actual people involved in Jeff’s capture. He mentioned that you fully improvised a scene with the officers who interrogated Leigh.
It’s when I’m on the phone talking to Channing and the camera just stays on him in the car. On the other end of the phone, we filmed about an hour of me having a full-on meltdown as these cops interrogated me and tried to make me help them catch Jeff. But it kinda made the movie lose momentum at a crucial moment, so it got cut. Derek said, “Your performance was so great, Kirsten, it’s a shame it’s not in the movie!” But the craziest part is that Leigh was there the day we filmed it.
How was that experience for her?
I think it was cathartic for her to watch. Usually, the real-life people involved in a movie don’t come on super emotional days. It didn’t really bother me, but it really got to her. I came to think it was sort of meant to be that she was there. She loves the movie so much.
I’m glad it’s coming to theaters as well. It gives me a little faith that the same studio putting out the Mission: Impossible films is also distributing this type of gentle, mid-budget crowd-pleaser.
Can you believe it was made for $18 million? Look up how mIt’s amazing how some of these indie films today cost so much more but don’t look half as good as what Derek achieved with a fraction of the budget. This is the kind of movie you’d want to take your family to during the holidays. One of my techniques for developing a character is drawing from my dreams. Around the time we started filming, I kept dreaming about a Christmas tree, so I always did a “Christmas take.”
Like a take with a little extra sweetness?
Exactly. After we’d shot a scene a few times, I’d do a “Christmas take” as if I were in a holiday film. Derek even started asking, “Kirsten, ready for your ‘Christmas take’?”
Both Channing and Derek mentioned how remarkably grounded you are, especially considering you’ve been famous since childhood.
I wonder why that is? Maybe because I take my work seriously but also know how to enjoy it without letting it affect my feelings.
Do you mean in terms of bad reviews?
Or not landing a role I really wanted, feeling inadequate, or even about appearance. This industry can be tough on your self-esteem. I’ve seen many actors start to believe their own hype, but I’ve never been one to think that being in movies gives me the right to act a certain way.
Was there anyone in particular who set an example for you of how a lead actor should behave?
I went straight from “Interview with a Vampire” to filming “Little Women,” so I went from working with the best men to the best women. I got to spend time with cool women I admired, like Winona Ryder and Claire Danes. Then I worked with Sofia on “The Virgin Suicides,” which felt like a turning point in my career because she treated me as an adult and respected me. I worked with many great female directors early on, so I never felt the need to seek approval from male directors. But it took me a while to stop needing external validation.
I love that you started with commercial hits like “Interview with a Vampire” and “Jumanji,” then moved to quirkier films like “Dick” or “Drop Dead Gorgeous.” What influenced your project choices at that time in your career?
As a teenager, I loved watching beauty pageants with my friends, so I really wanted to be in “Drop Dead Gorgeous.” I adored that script and found it hilarious—I still think it’s one of the funniest movies ever. I was obsessed with Christopher Guest’s films, and it felt similar in style.
Did you participate in pageants growing up?
No, which is why I was eager to play someone who did. I remember reading many mediocre scripts at the time, but movies like that and “Dick” really stood out. I fought for those roles because I wanted them so much. I chose scripts based on what I wanted to see, and back then, I was into really weird, silly comedies.
What about “Small Soldiers”?
That was more of a “this will probably make a lot of money” decision. I dislike working on films where there’s no substance because it gets boring.
“No substance” meaning…?
Like, “Kirsten, here’s where the soldier will be—now act scared.” I hate that. I had to do a lot of that in the Spider-Man movies.
Have you watched any of the Spider-Man movies you’re not in?
I haven’t.
Are your kids at the age where they want to watch your Spider-Man films?
Not yet, but my four-year-old recently wanted to watch “Venom,” and I thought, sure, why not? That was a mistake because now he loves doing the Venom voice. It’s not that I don’t enjoy the Spider-Man movies; I just don’t think I will for some reason. But when I do watch them, I’m usually pleasantly surprised.
Would you ever do another superhero movie?
Why not? But I think I’d have to play…It’s always Mary Jane for me—just plain old Mary Jane. I’ve talked about taking on other roles in superhero films before, but they won’t cast me because I’m so tied to that character. That’s why it would be so exciting for you to do something totally different and out of the blue.
The most memorable character in a superhero movie for me was Uma Thurman as Poison Ivy. If I could choose my dream role, I’d want to do something like that.
Oh, I’d love to see you go all out as a Batman villain.
Exactly, that sounds like a blast to me. I also really admired Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman. Let me play a villain!
I love that you seem to have a taste for camp—now I get why movies like Drop Dead Gorgeous resonated with you.
I think I had to develop my own taste as I grew up. I enjoyed John Waters films and silly comedies, but then I’d see something like Charlotte Rampling in The Night Porter and think, “I want to create something like that!” Drop Dead Gorgeous isn’t available to stream anywhere, is it?
It just recently started streaming on Paramount+, but for the longest time, it was really hard to find.
That makes it even better, in my opinion. I love those movies you have to hunt for. It’s kind of cool and makes them feel more special.
What was it like working with that cast of iconic women?
Well, they were all older than me. In most of the movies I made when I was younger, I was the only one in the cast actually the same age as my character. When we filmed Bring It On in San Diego, everyone else would drive down to Mexico on weekends because they were in their twenties. Meanwhile, I was living in a house with my mom and brother. I’m not sure what the other girls from Drop Dead Gorgeous were up to, but I was young and kept to myself.
What are some of your memories of working with Brittany Murphy?
She was just a ray of light, honestly. Our moms knew each other because we’d crossed paths in audition rooms, but she was older than me. Every time I see a photo or clip of her, it breaks my heart. And she’s absolutely hilarious in the movie.
Did you keep in touch after Drop Dead Gorgeous?
We made another film together called The Devil’s Arithmetic, but not really. I loved Brittany, but over the years, you naturally drift apart. I also never had many actor friends; I mostly just dated them.
I watched The Cat’s Meow for the first time—
Oh, wow, that’s a deep cut.
It was one of the few gaps in your filmography for me, and now I think it might be your most underrated performance.
I remember asking my boyfriend at the time if I should do that movie because Drew Barrymore was supposed to play the role but dropped out last minute. I mainly took it because I wanted to work with Peter Bogdanovich, but I don’t think he even knew who I was. I found out the producers hired me because I’d been in Spider-Man, and they thought I could attract a younger audience.
Did Peter say that to you directly?
Not in so many words, but it was pretty clear I was a “money choice” for that film, not a creative one. At first, Peter’s attitude made me feel a bit dismissed. But by the end of the shoot, we were the best of friends. He’d ask me about everything: “Darling, what do you think of this hat? Darling, do you like this dress? Darling, darling, darling.”
What changed?
I think once I started acting, he realized, “Wait… she’s actually good.”
Did he wear his little ascots while shooting?
The ascot was always on. He was so old-school.
Did you audition for Elizabethtown?
Everyone auditioned for Elizabethtown. It was a Cameron Crowe movie—everyone wanted to work with him. I auditioned for the Kate Hudson part in Almost Famous, but I was too young and not right for it at all. I remember the night before my Elizabethtown audition, I went to see a movie with my then-boyfriend.I was incredibly nervous because every actress I knew was auditioning for it. It always feels so much better to audition for something and actually get the part. I just had to audition for the movie I did with Ruben Östlund.
I understand that once an actor reaches a certain point in their career, they become “offer-only.” People might claim they’re offer-only, but for the right director, anyone will audition. For example, if Paul Thomas Anderson called, I’d audition—gladly. Why not? It’s kind of fun.
He recommended you to Lars von Trier for Melancholia, right?
Yes, Penelope Cruz was originally supposed to play that role but decided not to do it for some reason, and then Paul told Lars to hire me.
So why hasn’t he cast you in one of his movies?
It’s funny because he tried calling me recently, and we kept missing each other’s calls. In my head, I was thinking, “I’m ready for my close-up, Mr. Anderson.” Then when we finally spoke, he wanted to talk to me about another actor I had worked with. I told him, “You know that’s kind of mean, right?”
Photo: Courtesy of Paramount
Going back to Elizabethtown, how did you feel at the time about your character inspiring the term “Manic Pixie Dream Girl”?
It did? No, I don’t think so.
In his review of Elizabethtown for The A.V. Club, Nathan Rabin coined the term “Manic Pixie Dream Girl” to describe your character, as well as Natalie Portman’s character in Garden State.
I’ve never liked that phrase. It always felt a bit sexist and backhanded. It’s an annoying label because, ultimately, your performance is in the director’s hands.
What’s the story behind that video of you singing “Turning Japanese” in Tokyo while dressed as Sailor Moon?
My manager Eric called me and said, “This pop band dropped out of a music video for an art installation that Takashi Murakami is doing. You have to do it!” I agreed, as long as it was just for the exhibition. Then it ended up all over YouTube, and I was mortified. It wasn’t something I wanted to do or felt comfortable with. I was naive to think it would only be shown at that London exhibit.
For what it’s worth, you look like you’re having fun.
Well, I guess I’m a good actress because I felt so uncomfortable. I loved Sailor Moon as a kid, but I didn’t want to be dressed like that on the subway.
One thing you haven’t tackled is theater. Would you ever do Broadway?
Probably later in life, just because of the time commitment. I can’t handle that schedule while raising kids.
Would you do a musical or a play?
I would only do a play.
But you have such a lovely singing voice—I loved your musical number in Get Over It.
Doing eight shows a week is really hard on the throat. I actually had a nightmare recently that I was playing Glinda in Wicked on Broadway, but I didn’t know any of the songs, and they were making me go on anyway. And for some reason, Mark Ruffalo was there.
I interviewed the casting director of Mamma Mia! a while back, and she mentioned that you auditioned for the film.
I did not! I don’t remember singing any ABBA songs.
I wonder if the casting director got you confused with someone else.
I feel like I’d remember that. I recall auditioning for Les Misérables, but I don’t think I auditioned for Mamma Mia! But hey, I’d love to see the tape if it exists.
You recently said that Sofia wrote a script for you to star in that will shoot next year. I know you can’t share specifics, but I have three yes-or-no questions: are you playing a real person?
Yes, but not someone I’d consider famous.
Photo: Getty Images
Is it a period piece?
Yes.
Is it going to shoot in the United States?
Yes. I think she’d be okay with me sharing that.
I don’t want to get you in trouble with Sofia.
Can you imagine? I can’t even picture her raising her voice. But I know she’s writing…I’m also working on something else, so we don’t have a start date yet.
This is a creatively exciting time in your career—The Power of the Dog, Civil War, Roofman, and your upcoming film The Entertainment System Is Down are all character-focused, non-franchise projects with directors who have distinct styles. What guides your choices as an actor these days when selecting roles?
I really want to do a comedy next. Right now, I’m in the mood to work on something fun and lighthearted again, like Drop Dead Gorgeous. But I’ll always be drawn to great directors. If an amazing filmmaker called me tomorrow and said, “I want you to play this deeply troubled character,” I’d be happy to take it on. I’m always open to a challenge.
This conversation has been edited and condensed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Kirsten Dunst and her current career perspective presented in a clear and natural tone
General Career FAQs
Q Who is Kirsten Dunst
A Kirsten Dunst is a highly acclaimed American actress who has been in movies since she was a child Shes known for roles in films like Jumanji SpiderMan Marie Antoinette and the awardwinning The Power of the Dog
Q What is the movie Roofman
A Roofman is an upcoming film starring Kirsten Dunst While specific plot details are often kept under wraps the title suggests it will be a key part of her recent work
Q What did she mean by wanting to bring more enjoyment back to her film roles
A After starring in several intense dramatic roles she expressed a desire to choose projects that are more fun and personally fulfilling for her not just critically acclaimed She wants to reconnect with the pure joy of acting
Q Has she done more lighthearted or fun roles in the past
A Absolutely Early in her career she was in family adventures like Jumanji and the beloved Bring It On She also brought a mix of drama and dark humor to her role in the TV series Fargo
Deeper Dive Context FAQs
Q Why would an actor need to bring enjoyment back to their work
A Acting is a demanding job After years of taking on heavy emotionally draining roles its common for actors to seek a better balance Choosing a fun project can be a way to prevent burnout and rediscover their passion for the craft
Q What were some of the intense roles shes referring to
A Her recent work in The Power of the Dog and the dystopian series On Becoming a God in Central Florida were both psychologically complex and demanding a contrast to the lighter films she started with
Q Is this shift a common career move for actors