I can only imagine the conversation that gave American Gun a green light:

STUDIO PRESIDENT: Dudes, did you see “In the Bedroom?” It was awesome, but it didn’t sell. It could have been edgier.

STUDIO EXEC #1: It was missing…snap!

STUDIO PRESIDENT: Exactly!

STUDIO EXEC #2: Like the life of the gun before it killed that kid?

STUDIO PRESIDENT: Precisely!

STUDIO EXEC #1: Yeah, yeah! Who had it before that?

STUDIO PRESIDENT: Perfect!

STUDIO EXEC #2: What about even before before that!?

STUDIO PRESIDENT: GREEN LIGHT!