Fox acquires rights to Boston Marathon drama

LOS ANGELES — 20th Century Fox has moved fast to acquire rights to Boston Marathon spec “Boston Strong” with “Safe House” filmmaker Daniel Espinosa in talks to direct, sources confirm.

Hutch Parker and Dorothy Aufiero will produce the drama, which is based on the book by Casey Sherman and former Boston Herald reporter Dave Wedge.

“Boston Strong” follows the massive manhunt to apprehend the two men believed to be responsible for the bombings, as well as examining the city’s reaction following the events.

Casey Affleck had originally been attached to star in (as well as produce) the real-life drama, but his deal eventually fell apart, according to insiders.

“The Fighter” screenwriters Eric Johnson and Paul Tamasy wrote the script. The duo optioned the rights in July 2013.

EOne Television had also been attached to the project last April on to develop it as a miniseries, but those plans fell apart earlier this summer.

Espinosa, who is repped by UTA and Magnolia Entertainment, is currently in post-production on the Summit thriller “Child 44” starring Tom Hardy.

Johnson and Tamasy are repped by Gotham Group and CAA.