Jake Gyllenhaal eyeing Boston bombing movie

As is the Hollywood way, whenever a story grips the nation, a bunch of different projects launch headfirst into development, hoping to capitalize on the media craze.

Jake Gyllenhaal could be about to take on his most intense project to date – a lead role in the Boston bombing film, Stronger.

Bauman lost both legs in the attack at the Marathon finish line, but managed to give police a description of one of the bombers.

According to Variety, Gyllenhaal is the favorite to play Bauman, and given his performances in films like NIGHTCRAWLER and SOUTHPAW, Gyllenhaal is the king of drama right now.

David Gordon Green would direct the film, with David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman of Mandeville Films/TV producing along with Scott Silver. Stronger is based on the book Jeff wrote with Bret Witter and focuses on the aftermath of the tragic events which killed three and injured over 260 others. A photo of an ashen-faced and bloodied Bauman being wheeled away from the scene remains one of the tragedy’s most indelible images-view it here if you wish, but be warned, it is quite graphic.

The script will be adapted by John Pollono who wrote and co-starred in the Off-Broadway play “Small Engine Repairs”. Russell’s Boston-set The Fighter, are all involved as producers. 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.