Los Angeles, July 30 (IANS): Actor Jake Gyllenhaal, who is receiving positive reviews for his work in boxing drama “Southpaw”, is eyeing the lead role in Boston Marathon bombing film “Stronger”.

"Stronger" is based on the experiences of survivor Jeff Bauman, who was waiting for his girlfriend to finish the race, and lost both of his legs when two pressure-cooker bombs exploded near the finish line of the marathon on April 15, 2013, reports theguardian.com.

Earlier, it was reported that 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.

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 International Film Festival.