According to Variety, The Indian media conglom Reliance Big Entertainment has acquired Rob Liefeld's iconic graphic novel "Youngblood" for Brett Ratner to direct. Reliance inked a development deal with Ratner's shingle Rat Entertainment, as well as Julia Roberts' Red Om Films, during the Berlin film fest. The company paid mid six figures for the rights to the Awesome Entertainment property.

"Most of the great graphic novels are gone, and 'Youngblood' is one of the few comicbooks left with tentpole potential," Ratner said. "It was a real personal passion project for me, and a lot of people wanted ('Youngblood'), but the amazing thing about the guys at Reliance is the speed with which they're able to move."

Reliance has also acquired the rights to French graphic novel "Fly Wires" for Ratner's shingle. Both projects are being fast-tracked, although no decision has been made on whether they will eventually land at Paramount.