John Goodman Signs On to Boston Marathon Movie

WATERTOWN, MA - John Goodman joins the all-star cast of 'Patriots Day,' one of two upcoming films about the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings.

Goodman will take on the role of former Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis, alongside J.K. Simmons as Watertown Police Sgt. Jeffrey Pugliese and Mark Wahlberg as a composite character based on several police officers instrumental in the hunt for Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.

"Commissioner Davis is an American hero, and John Goodman brings the extraordinary combination of humility, gravitas and empathy to portray him," 'Patriots Day' director Peter Berg said in a press release.

Last week, it was announced the film will premiere in Boston, New York and Los Angeles Dec. 21 before receiving a wide release Jan. 13. Production of the movie will begin in Boston later this month.

This Sunday an open casting call will be held for extras from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 129 Braintree Street in Allston.

A second film based on the attacks, 'Stronger,' will star Jake Gyllenhaal as Jeff Bauman, a survivor who lost both of his legs in the bombing.