Jeff Bauman, 28, survivor of the Boston Marathon bombing, wrote a book about his experience, titled Stronger. Although he lost both legs in the blast, he says he has a lot to be grateful for, including a newborn daughter and the fact that Lionsgate is developing his book into a feature film. The April 15, 2013 bombings left three dead and more than 260 other injured – but it was the image of Jeff being rushed in a wheelchair to an ambulance that went viral. He also helped authorities identify the bombing suspects from his hospital bed. He couldn’t speak, but wrote down, “Saw the guy. Looked right at me,” which helped authorities track down the perpetrators. Most would be in shock and dismay after not only being a victim of a bombing but sustaining major injuries. Instead, Bauman wrote in his book, “I saw the bomber. He took my legs, but he didn’t break me. He only made me stronger.”
John Pollono will adapt the script for Stronger as his first full-length feature. Todd Lieberman and David Hoberman are also attached to the project (producers of The Fighter and Insurgent from the Divergent franchise). ~Andrea Hodgins