Ridley Scott is in talks to adapt the Queen and Country comic books for 20th Century Fox. The project is based on Greg Rucka’s graphic novel series, which was published from 2001-2007. Rucka also wrote a previous script draft for the film adaptation, as did such writers as Ryan J. Condal (Colony) and Olivia Milch (Ocean’s 8). Should Scott sign on, a new writer will presumably be hired to pen a fresh screenplay.

The Queen and Country comics revolve around Tara Chace, the top agent of a fictional British secret intelligence service. Chase is drawn into a dangerous cat and mouse game with an international terrorist, following an attack in London. Ellen Page was attached to star in the Queen and Country movie back in 2013, with Craig Viveiros (The Liability, Ghosted) directing. However, that iteration of the project never made it past pre-production and there’s been little to no progress to report on the film, until now.

The Wrap is reporting that Scott has entered talks to direct Queen and Country for Fox. Scott would also produce the film alongside Chernin Entertainment, in addition to directing. It’s been recently reported that Scott is also in talks to direct an adaptation of The Merlin Saga for Disney. Given how quickly Scott moves from film to film, it’s not difficult to imagine him signing on for both projects and shooting them in rapid succession within the next year.

Secret agent thrillers are as fashionable as ever in Hollywood right now. Last year saw the release of both Kingsman: The Golden Circle and Atomic Blonde, while Red Sparrow only opened two weeks ago. The spy genre is one of the rare genres that Scott hasn’t tried his hand at already (unless you count Body of Lies), which might explain his interest in Queen and Country. Scott is also known for making genre movies that feature female protagonists, ranging from 1997’s G.I. Jane to last year’s Alien: Covenant. That may further account for what drew him to Fox’s slow developing graphic novel adaptation.

Scott has steered clear of superheroes and comic book movies in the past, those short-lived rumors about him directing the DCEU’s Batman solo film aside. Queen and Country, however, is another sort of beast altogether and deals with subject matter that should play to the filmmaker’s strengths. It’s also a project that should offers a meaty female action hero role for someone to sink their teeth into. Page is presumably no longer attached to play Tara Chase, given how much time has passed. On the other hand, her hopes of a Kitty Pryde solo film might yet come true in the near future.

We will bring you more information on Queen and Country as it becomes available.