PHOTO CAPTION- In this April 6, 2012 file photo, Chris Kyle, a former Navy SEAL and author of the book “American Sniper,” poses in Midlothian, Texas. 

Jury selection is underway for the trial of the man accused of killing the former Navy SEAL depicted in the movie “American Sniper: Chris Kyle.”

More than a dozen people were dismissed Monday morning in Stephenville, Texas, where former Marine Eddie Ray Routh is charged with capital murder in the deaths of 38-year-old Chris Kyle and Kyle’s friend, 35-year-old Chad Littlefield.

The trial starts amid widespread attention for “American Sniper,” the Oscar-nominated film based on Kyle’s 2012 memoir.

Kyle and his friend Chad Littlefield were fatally shot at a shooting range southwest of Fort Worth, Texas, on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013.

Former Marine Eddie Ray Routh, who came with them to the range, has been arrested for the murders.

Erath County District Attorney Alan Nash said it was hard not to know about the movie, but that seeing it wouldn’t disqualify a potential juror.

Nash asked potential jurors if they were unable to set aside what they’d already heard about their case. No one among about 260 people in court raised their hand.

(AP)