“Orphan Black” star Tatiana Maslany is in early talks to co-star with Jake Gyllenhaal in Lionsgate’s Boston Marathon bombing drama “Stronger.”
Pic tells the true story of Boston Marathon bombing survivor Jeff Bauman, who lost both legs in the attack.
David Gordon Green recently signed on to direct the pic. John Pollono has adapted the script for “Stronger,” which marks his full-length feature debut. Pollono wrote and co-starred in the Off Broadway play “Small Engine Repairs.” “Stronger” has been set up with Mandeville Films principals Todd Lieberman and David Hoberman along with Scott Silver, while Peter McGuigan and Anthony Mattero will exec produce.
“Stronger” is based on the book by Bauman and Bret Witter. It details the aftermath of the 2013 attack at the marathon finish line, where Bauman had been cheering for his girlfriend, who will be played by Maslany.
The book, published last year, also describes Bauman’s attempts to walk again and face his new circumstances with grace, transforming from an aimless deli counter worker to a man driven with ambition and full of love. “I saw the bomber,” Bauman wrote. “He took my legs, but he didn’t break me. He only made me stronger.”
Several actresses including Kate Mara and Elizabeth Olsen were being eyed by the studio before execs decided to go with Maslany who has been on a slew of shortlists all over town for other projects. She just missed on the female lead in “Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation” (Rebecca Ferguson eventually landed the role) and had also recently met for a role in Rian Johnson’s “Star Wars” film.
She is repped by ICM Partners, Magnolia Entertainment and Canada’s Characters Talent Agency. The Hollywood Reporter first reported the news.
