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Director Clint Eastwood’s 2014 movie,American Sniperis often labeled as one of the most successful films in his filmography. The biographical war drama film was loosely based on the memoirAmerican Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History(2012) by Chris Kyle, with Scott McEwen and Jim DeFelice. While the film was massively praised for its contents, there was something that did not sit well with some viewers: a very unrealistic-looking baby.
Many jokes were made on social media over the very obvious plastic doll, however, there was a valid reason behind it as the shooting laws in California did not allow the filmmakers to use a real baby. The film’s screenwriter/executive producer Jason Hall also acknowledged the fake baby jokes, explaining why they had to use a fake plastic doll.
Also read:Clint Eastwood Physically Attacked His Former Wife on Set of His “Favorite Film” After Not Getting Desired Results
The fake baby in Clint Eastwood’sAmerican Sniper(2014) invited criticism
Many will agree thatAmerican Sniperis one of the best movies in directorClint Eastwood‘s filmography. However, one thing that viewers couldn’t ignore was the fake plastic doll that was used in the scene where Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper) and Taya (Sienna Miller) pass around their child while talking about Kyle leaving for another tour.
In a now-deleted tweet, the film’s screenwriter/executive producer Jason Hall explained why they used a fake plastic doll for the scene (viaThe Hollywood Reporter)
“Hate to ruin the fun but real baby #1 showed up with a fever. Real baby #2 was no show. (Clint voice) Gimme the doll, kid.”
Due to the fake baby, many critics questioned Eastwood’s direction, but they can’t be blamed as the babies indeed looked very fake, and one couldn’t just ignore it. Despite the fake baby,American Sniperreceived six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Actor for Cooper, and won one award for Best Sound Editing.
Also read:Steven Spielberg’s Favorite War Film Starring Clint Eastwood Got Made Due To Elizabeth Taylor’s Children
Fans reacted to the creepy plastic doll
Shortly after the release of 2014’sAmerican Sniper, many viewers shared their opinions on the creepy fake plastic doll that was used in the movie.
The fake baby in American Sniper still looks more realistic than old man Armie Hammer in J. Edgar.pic.twitter.com/QvpLZQJpCL
— Adam. (@rivettian)June 18, 2025
Halloween ’15 idea: the obviously fake baby in American Sniper.pic.twitter.com/mWIhKeDBRF
— ryan (@rjhugs)Aug 04, 2025
I don’t get all the American Sniper love. But I do understand Bradley Cooper’s nom.He had to hold that fake baby and not laugh.That’s skill!
— Ruth (@BabyRuthCT)July 09, 2025
If that fake baby from American Sniper doesn’t get a Best Supporting Fake Baby nom, I will be outraged.
— CutPrintFilm (@cutprintfilm)July 26, 2025
- that Jezebel piece is obviously joking 2. the baby in American Sniper may have been the most distractingly fake baby in movie history
— Matt Berry ☘️ (@mttbry)July 25, 2025
Sources also revealed that the fake baby was used because of the shooting laws in California that stipulate that employees should be at least 15 days old. Babies from that age up to six months can be employed between 9:30-11:30 AM or from 2:30-4:30 PM in a day. One studio teacher along with one nurse must be on set during filming. Fans believe that these challenges must be the reason why Clint Eastwood decided to use a fake plastic doll instead.
Related:Clint Eastwood Made an Actor in His “Favorite Film” Break Down and Cry For a Wild Reason
Farhan Asif
Articles Published :1696
Farhan Asif is a gaming writer at FandomWire who specializes in video games/franchises like Helldivers 2, GTA, and Call of Duty. Apart from 1600+ published articles for FandomWire, he has also written more than 750 articles for AnimatedTimes. He has a passion for coding and is pursuing a degree in computer science. During his free time, Farhan loves to play video games and hopes to create a video game of his own one day.
