Brett Ratner has signed on to direct Youngblood, an adaption of Rob Liefeld's iconic graphic novel for the Indian media conglomerate, Reliance Big Entertainment, which just acquired rights to the novel.

According to Variety, 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 Youngblood, about a superhero team sanctioned and overseen by the U.S. government.

The project is the first to emanate from the Indian media conglom's nine development pacts with Hollywood talent.

"Most of the great graphic novels are gone, and 'Youngblood' is one of the few comicbooks left with tentpole potential," Ratner told Daily Variety. "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.

The project, which will be renamed Infinity, will be produced by Ratner, who has already tapped Sylvain White (Stomp the Yard) to direct and John Collee (Master and Commander: The Far Side Of The World) to pen the script.

Both projects are being fast-tracked, although no decision has been made on whether they will eventually land at Paramount.