Clint Eastwood in Talks to Replace Steven Spielberg as Director of Bradley Cooper's 'American Sniper'

After years of playing Old West gunslingers in the movies, Clint Eastwood might be directing a movie about a modern-day shooter. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Eastwood is in talks to direct American Sniper, stepping in to replace Steven Spielberg, who dropped out last week.

If a deal is made, that puts Eastwood in a tight schedule squeeze. The veteran filmmaker is about to begin directing Jersey Boys, the adaptation of the Broadway musical about the rise and fall of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. 

Sniper must shoot early next year because of Cooper’s many commitments. But Eastwood is famously known for his short and efficient shoots, so the studio has no fear that he won’t be able to pull it off.

Bradley Cooper is set to star in American Sniper, a film based on the life of the late Navy SEAL Chris Kyle. The movie doesn't have a release date yet.