Jake Gyllenhaal eyeing Boston Bombing movie 'Stronger'

Los Angeles: Hollywood star Jake Gyllenhaal, fresh off critical acclaim for his work in boxing drama "Southpaw", is eyeing the lead role in Lionsgate's Boston Marathon bombing film "Stronger".

"Stronger" is based on Jeff Bauman, a survivor who lost both his legs in the attack and has been gaining traction among the trio or so Boston Marathon Bombing movie projects that are spread around town, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

David Gordon Green was in negotiations to direct the project.

Bauman was waiting for his girlfriend at the finish line of the annual marathon when two pressure cooker bombs exploded, killing three people and injuring more than 260 others.

He chronicled his experience being a key witness in the trial of bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev and his attempts at rehab in a book titled "Stronger", co-written by Bret Witter.

John Pollono wrote the script.

David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman of Mandeville Films/TV are producing along with Scott Silver. The trio worked together on David O Russell's "The Fighter", and were rewarded with Oscar nominations.

If a deal is secured, the role would be the latest of intense dramas and acting showcases that Gyllenhaal has been focusing on.

The actor next stars in "Demolition", what is expected to be a searing drama from director Jean-Marc Vallee and kicks off the Toronto Film Festival.

He also toplines "Everest", the movie that tells the true account of an Everest expedition gone wrong. He is attached to star in "Nocturnal Animals", Tom Ford's return to the director's chair.