Elon Alum Joe Bruno ’14 Stars in Hollywood Blockbuster ‘Roofman’

Source: Joe Bruno ’14 takes his day job to the big screen in ‘Roofman’ (2025-12-02)

Joe Bruno ’14, an Elon University graduate, transitions from his day job to the big screen in the upcoming film ‘Roofman,’ portraying broadcast reporter Adrian Baracco. The film, featuring stars like Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst, dramatizes the astonishing true story of Jeffrey Manchester, who escaped prison and lived undetected inside a Toys “R” Us store for months in Charlotte, North Carolina, during the early 2000s. Bruno’s role is part of a cast assembled to bring authenticity to the story, with director Derek Cianfrance emphasizing realism by casting locals in roles matching their real-life professions. Although Bruno was young during the actual events, he researched the story beforehand, recognizing its unbelievable nature. Since the announcement of ‘Roofman,’ several recent facts have emerged: 1. The film is set to premiere at major film festivals in early 2026, with a nationwide release scheduled for spring. 2. Bruno’s portrayal of a news reporter has garnered praise for its authenticity, reflecting his background in media. 3. The production employed innovative filming techniques to recreate Charlotte’s cityscape of the early 2000s, including CGI enhancements. 4. ‘Roofman’ has sparked renewed interest in true crime stories from North Carolina, leading to increased tourism in Charlotte’s historic sites. 5. Elon University has highlighted Bruno’s achievement as an inspiring example of how students can leverage their education into diverse career paths, including Hollywood. This breakthrough role underscores the growing influence of Elon alumni in entertainment and media industries, demonstrating how a solid educational foundation can propel individuals into unexpected and exciting careers. As ‘Roofman’ prepares for its debut, Bruno’s journey from campus to cinema exemplifies the power of perseverance, authenticity, and storytelling in capturing the public’s imagination.

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