Clint Eastwood's new film 'American Sniper' is due to start production next month, what do we know about the project so far?
The life of Navy SEAL, Chris Kyle, a sniper with the highest recorded number of sniper kills for an American, is the subject of Clint Eastwood’s new film. American Sniper will be based on the autobiography of the same name, written by Kyle, Scott McEwan and Jim DeFelice. The astonishing story records the career of Kyle, who held the US record for sniper kills, with over 150 kills confirmed.
Two time Academy Award nominee Bradley Cooper is billed to play Chris Kyle
Described by Green Beret Charles W. Sasser as a ‘true American warrior down to the bone’, the autobiography shares details of Kyle’s career, which spanned a decade and included several combat tours as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Kyle tells the story of how he transitioned from life in his home state of Texas as a rodeo cowboy to become one of the most deadly assassins in US Military history.
The autobiography has been adapted for screen by Jason Hall and Bradley Cooper has been cast to star as Kyle, with Sienna Miller as his wife, Taya Renae Kyle. Initially there were rumours that both David O. Russell and Steven Spielberg were interested in directing the film, but instead it’s gone to double Oscar winning director Clint Eastwood, who is renowned for his gritty films and weighty directorial style.
English actress Sienna Miller will play Kyle's wife in American Sniper
It’s rumoured that the movie will also include performances from authentic Navy SEALs, as well as one of Kyle’s real-life friends, Kevin ‘Dauber’ Lacz. Sadly, Kyle himself is no longer around to see his autobiography adapted for the big screen. Along with his companion Chad Littlefield, Kyle was shot and killed by fellow military veteran Marine Eddie Ray Routh. The pair had taken Routh to the gun range in an attempt to help and support him with alleged post traumatic stress disorder before he turned his gun on them. A memorial was held for the Navy SEAL in February 2013.
The stellar cast also includes Dear White People actor Kyle Gallner, Fifty Shades of Grey’s Luke Grimes and Shameless’ Jake McDorman. We definitely think that Clint Eastwood is the right director to breathe life into the powerful story of Chris Kyle. American Sniper is due to start production in Morocco next month, so it will be quite some time before it eventually comes out, but we’ll certainly be keeping an eye on this one.
Are you looking forward to seeing American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S.Military History adapted for the big screen?
MORE: Bradley Cooper regrets not meeting sniper Chris Kyle before his untimely death
MORE: Sienna Miller to star in Clint Eastwood's Navy SEAL drama
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