Clint Eastwood To Direct ‘American Sniper’ [Rumor]

Clint Eastwood could be on-board to direct the adaptation of American Sniper.

The acclaimed actor and filmmaker is currently attached to big-screen version of Jersey Boys. However, word on the street suggests he could sign on for the upcoming thriller as well.

According to the folks at Twitch, Clint Eastwood “has gotten the nod” to take control of American Sniper for Warner Bros. It’s unclear if the Gran Torino star is officially on-board or is simply in negotiations with the studio to take the reins.

Steven Spielberg was previously attached to direct the adaptation of authors Chris Kyle, Scott McEwen, Jim DeFelice’s book American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in US Military History. Reports suggest the director couldn’t agree on a budget with Warner Bros.

Shortly after Spielberg bailed on the project, DreamWorks also decided to abandon ship. Despite the hiccups behind-the-scenes, Bradley Cooper is still slated to tackle the lead. The Silver Linings Playbook star will also produce the film.

American Sniper tells the story of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle and his record-breaking career with the US military. During his tenure as a sniper, Kyle reportedly took down 150 targets. The previous record held by an American was 109. Cooper will portray the Navy SEAL in the flick.

If Clint Eastwood signs on to direct the movie, then it won’t be the only movie he’s rescued in recent days. Iron Man director Jon Favreau was previously slated to direct the adaptation of Jersey Boys. However, Dirty Harry stepped in to save the day when Favreau dropped out.

Since Eastwood currently has his hands busy with that film, it’s unknown when work on American Sniper would begin. It’s also unclear if he has already inked a deal with Warner Bros.

Do you think Clint Eastwood is the right director for American Sniper?

[Image via cinemafestival / Shutterstock.com]