As an avid runner, the Boston Marathon bombing back in 2013 really affected me. It sent waves of shock through not only the running community, but also the world. The story has already been told on the big screen, in the heart-wrenching Patriot’s Day, and now another story from the tragic event is heading to theaters.
Stronger, which arrives in theaters on September 22, tells the story of Jeff Bauman. Jeff was cheering on his girlfriend Erin from the finish line when the bombs went off, resulting in the loss of both of his legs. Jake Gyllenhall is playing Jeff on the big screen and Orphan Black‘s Tatiana Maslany plays Erin in what is sure to be a heart-wrenching movie, if the trailer is any indication.
The film had its premiere on Tuesday at at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Charlestown, Massachusetts. The 36-year-old actor walked the red carpet with the man he played in the film, and both got a warm reception from the invitation-only crowd.
@SpauldingRehab patients and staff offer a warm welcome to @Jeffmbauman and Jake Gyllenhaal at the premiere of "Stronger" pic.twitter.com/iDKdUcy7pM
— Hannah Charney (@hannahcharney) September 13, 2017
Stronger promises a more personal story than 2016’s Patriot’s Day, which focused on the manhunt for the bombers (and which was also quite depressing). If anyone can effectively tell Jeff’s story, it’s Jake. The actor told local station WBZ-TV, ”From the moment I met Jeff, I was intimidated, I was nervous. I was nervous to try and tell his story as honestly as I could. I didn’t really know it when I read the script and I really loved the character, that I would love the guy as much, a lot more actually.” Jeff, who was a key witness to the bombing and helped identify the bombers, said the portrayal of his life on the big screen was “very moving.”
It seems like the two have really become friends, and are already at the joking around with each other phase. During an interview at the Toronto International Film Festival, Jeff confessed he was “excited” that Jake was playing him and asserted that he loved Jake’s body of work. He then paused and joked, “I could leave Prince of Persia.” We all could, Jeff. (He added that Bubble Boy was his favorite of Jake’s movies.) I think the bond these two formed is going to make for quite a moving performance by Jake in the movie, and it’s definitely a “must-see” for me.
Photos: Getty Images, WENN.com
It’s a bummer Jeff and Erin divorced earlier this year. And in a “yay Costco” they held his job for him, continued full pay/benefits throughout his recovery as well as matched the funds raised through a go fund me campaign.
I was a volunteer at the start in Hopkinton that day. Took the day off and turned off my phone to enjoy the afternoon when my assignment ended. Finally heard the news that evening, after turning on my phone to a flurry of worried texts/calls as people knew I volunteered but not where. To this day thinking about it makes me well up. And volunteering the following year, meeting runners doing the race because they couldn’t finish the year before, was inspiring.
Jake G is full of heart, this is a good role for him. What a terrible thing this man has had to endure, and for what? Because he was standing there?! It’s unfathomable.
If Jake doesn’t get an AA nomination I will freak out. He got snubbed big time for the Nightcrawler.
He really deserved a nomination for Nightcrawler. A much better performance than several of those that were nominated.
Agreed, I loved Nightcrawler. Such a haunting film and performance. He does deserve an Oscar, he’s a great actor.
Nightcrawler was great. I love that Jake takes risks in his body of work.
Jake did an amazing job at Nightcrawler. It could have been a mediocre film, but thank’s to his performance, turned out pretty spectacular!
Jake is such an underrated actor. He’s the best part of almost every movie he’s in. My forever crush! Hope he gets the recognition he deserves for this one.
This is going to be a real tearjerker. And if they go into any part of Carlos Arrendondo’s tragic story, even more tears will flow.
Carlos Arredondo is a part of the movie, though I don’t think it is a huge part.
I just came to say I love jake and this movie will probably have crying an endless stream
Jake looks so good.
As soon as I saw the cowboy hat, I got teary eyed. I remember Carlos Arredondo’s story so well. I can only imagine Jake G’s portrayal of Jeff Bauman will be griping.
Prince if Persia wasn’t that bad. I was expecting something terrible and it was just a miscast slightly below average summer blockbuster.
Ummm…I didn’t realize how tall Jake is! Just makes me like him a little bit more…mmmmm 🙂
You might enjoy this one! Conan investigating his height 😀
https://youtu.be/DR_MZy7vBTo
There is an entire podcast about this!!! Mystery show, case #5. On SoundCloud. Well worth the listen!!!
Also, good lord this man is making me dig long hair again 😍😍😍
Bubble boy is classic! 😍