Announced for development in July, Boston Strong, Lionsgate’s narrative account of the 2013 Boston Marathon has, according to Variety, found a lead in Boston native Casey Affleck. There’s no confirmation of exactly who Affleck will be playing, but the film is specifically inspired by the true story of Jeff Bauman, a survivor of the tragedy who, despite losing both his legs that day, aided the manhunt that helped catch the perpetrators.
Bauman’s book, “Stronger,” (co-written with Bret Whitter), will serve as the primary source material for newcomer John Pollono’s screenplay. That book, published earlier this year, is officially described as follows:
Jeff Bauman woke up on Tuesday, April 16th 2013 and he had no legs.
Just thirty hours prior, Jeff was surrounded by revelry at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. The first bomb went off at his feet as he awaited his girlfriend’s finish. When Jeff awoke days later from hours of surgery, rather than take stock of his now completely altered life, Jeff ripped out his breathing tube and tried to speak. He couldn’t. Jeff asked for a pad and paper and he wrote down seven words, “Saw the guy. Looked right at me,” setting off one of the biggest manhunts in the country’s history and beginning his own brave road to recovery.
In his memoir, Jeff will inspire millions by writing about his experiences that early spring day and his ongoing mission to walk again. Jeff will show the terrorists that they accomplished nothing with their act of cowardice and prove to the entire world what Boston Strong really means.
David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman and Scott Silver will produce through Mandeville Films with Peter McGuigan attached to executive produce.
