Ratner to helm 'Youngblood' adaptation

Brett Ratner has closed a deal with Reliance Big Entertainment to direct an adaptation of Rob Liefeld's comic Youngblood.

The flagship book for Image Comics, Youngblood centres on a team of superheroes who are sanctioned and overseen by the government. Indian firm Reliance paid six figures to secure the movie rights.

Speaking to Variety, Ratner described Youngblood as one of the best comic books that has not been turned into a feature film.

"Most of the great graphic novels are gone, and Youngblood is one of the few comic books left with tentpole potential," he said.

"It was a real personal passion project for me, and a lot of people wanted [it], but the amazing thing about the guys at Reliance is the speed with which they're able to move."

Ratner has previously directed X-Men: The Last Stand and the Rush Hour movies.