According to the trades, American Sniper will cross the $300 million mark in North America over Presidents Day weekend in another major victory for the Iraq war-themed drama.
Clint Eastwood‘s film is on course to become the top-grossing release of 2014 (it opened in select theaters Christmas Day before expanding nationwide). To date, the record-holder is The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1 ($335.8 million), followed by Guardians of the Galaxy ($331.2 million).
American Sniper is nominated for six Oscars, including best picture and best actor for Bradley Cooper, who stars as the late Navy SEAL Chris Kyle.
The movie, costing roughly $60 million to make and sure to generate a hearty profit, has been unique in galvanizing both Middle America and liberal markets.
Overseas, where it’s a far tougher sell due to its subject, American Sniper has grossed roughly $80 million.
