It wasn't long ago that Chris Kyle, author of the bestselling memoir 'American Sniper' and referred to as the deadliest Navy SEAL sniper, was tragically shot and killed at a gun range in Texas. In a time where gun control has become a significant point for debate, Kyle's death had a resounding effect around the country, including with Bradley Cooper, who picked up the movie rights to Kyle's book not too long ago.

In response to his death, Cooper, who was reported to portray Kyle in an 'American Sniper' movie, has decided to fast-track the production of the project, in which he plans to portray the ex-Navy SEAL.

In 'American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in US Military History,' Chris Kyle recollected his journey from champion saddle-bronc rider in Texas to becoming the Navy SEAL with the most career sniper kills in US military history (earning him the title "the devil" by his enemies), and describing the emotional toll war took on his family.

Cooper already had plans of turning his story into a film, but it was Kyle's death that made him want to fast-track the project, with the 'Silver Linings Playbook' star preparing for the lead role. "I couldn’t believe it. Jason Hall, who’s writing the ['American Sniper'] script, called me an hour after it happened," Cooper told NPR. "The first draft was coming in this week, and Thursday I was at Walter Reed hospital meeting with veterans who have post-traumatic stress disorder, among many other ailments; and then all of a sudden I hear this thing and I just can’t believe it. This man has two children, and he is an advocate for putting guns back in veterans’ hands, as a way of therapy."

According to reports, Kyle brought 25-year-old Eddie Ray Routh to a gun range at the Rough Creek Lodge and Resort in Texas as a means of PTSD therapy. But it was there that Routh reportedly shot and killed Kyle at close range, along with Kyle's friend Chad Littlefield.

For more information on Cooper's plans for the 'American Sniper' movie, click on over to NPR to listen to the full interview.

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