Culture

'American Sniper,' Chronicling Life of Former Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, Breaks Box Office Record

Bradley Cooper appears in a scene from "American Sniper."
Keith Bernstein/Warner Bros. Pictures/AP Photo

January 17, 2015, 8:26 PM

 -- "American Sniper" is shattering box office records.

The Iraq war film earned a record-breaking $30.5 million on its opening day Friday, according to Variety, which is reportedly the biggest single-day take ever in January for a movie. Variety reckons the film may take in $80 million this weekend alone.

"American Sniper" stars Bradley Cooper as Chris Kyle, a former Navy SEAL who was killed at a Texas gun range in 2013, allegedly by a former Marine he was trying to help. Kyle, who served four tours in Iraq, was considered the deadliest sniper in U.S. military history.

Former SEAL Chris Kyle Allegedly Killed by Former Marine He Was Trying to Help

Kyle also helped found a veterans organization and wrote a best-selling autobiography.

Cooper was nominated for an Oscar this week for his portrayal of Kyle. "American Sniper," which was directed by Clint Eastwood, is nominated for five other Academy Awards including best picture and adapted screenplay.