The film will be based on the true story of one of the survivors, Jeff Bauman, who lost both legs following the terrible, tragic act. Gyllenhaal will play Bauman, and Maslany is being considered for the role of his girlfriend, whom Bauman was cheering for on the sidelines when the bomb attack occurred. Bauman was one of 260 people who were injured in the bombing, which also killed three others.
No stranger to taking on tough roles – she plays several, distinct clones in the popular BBC series – Maslany received her first Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series this year, potentially prompted by plenty of viewer upset over her omission in previous years. Debuting in 2013, three seasons of Orphan Black have aired thus far, and the show has managed to garner a sort of cult following, . While the Canadian actress lost out on the award to the deserving Viola Davis for her role in How to Get Away With Murder, many were pleased that Maslany finally got the recognition she deserved.
Stronger will be directed by David Gordon Green, and John Pollono has adapted the script. Executive producing will be Peter McGuigan and Anthony Mattero, and the film is handled by Mandeville Films. The story is based on Bauman’s own book, written along with Bret Witter. In his book, Bauman tells of the tragic story, his attempts to walk again, and deal with the new circumstances of his life. The title is indicative of Bauman’s take on life. “[The bomber] took my legs,” he says, “but he didn’t break me. He only made me stronger.”
According to Variety, Kate Mara (House of Cards) and Elizabeth Olsen (Avengers: Age of Ultron) were also being considered for the role. But Hollywood has had its eye on Maslany now that she has three seasons of Orphan Black under her belt, and has proven her acting prowess not only in a diverse number of roles, but in such roles within the same series, often working opposite … well, herself. She has been rumored to be in the running for a number of projects, including Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, losing out to Rebecca Ferguson, and is also being considered for a role in Rian Johnson’s new Star Wars film.
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