Here's how the story goes: Len Wiseman strolled around some comic book stores with his kid, he stumbled across a graphic novel titled "Shrapnel," and soon after, he had his agent pursue the big-screen rights.

It's funny how some things fall into place so fast, isn't it? According to the Hollywood Reporter, Wiseman is set to direct the adaptation of "Shrapnel" for Radical Pictures.

The story is set in the future, when humans have taken over the solar system and are working hard to govern the planets. Things don't go according to plan on Venus, where a rebellious spirit reigns and a former Marine instructs the colonists how to fight back.

Okay, this could be an interesting story. Wiseman last directed "Live Free or Die Hard," and his credits also include the first two "Underworld" flicks. He's also got "Motorcade," "Gears of War" and "Atlantis Rising" coming up in the near future. And just in case you somehow missed it, he's the lucky dude who married Kate Beckinsale.

Brett Ratner is set to direct the big-screen adaptation of Rob Liefeld's graphic novel "Youngblood" for Reliance Big Entertainment.

Variety reports Reliance will develop the project with Ratner's Rat Entertainment and Julia Roberts' Red Om Films.

The story follows a team of superheroes sanctioned and overseen by the U.S. government.

In an interview with the trade, Ratner said "Youngblood" is one of only a few great graphic novels with "tentpole potential."

Ratner most recently directed "Rush Hour 3." He has several projects coming up, including "New York, I Love You," "God of War" and "Beverly Hills Cop 4."

In related news, Reliance has also acquired the rights to "Fly Wires," a French graphic novel Sylvain may direct. The project will be renamed "Infinity."

David Gordon Green is ready to explore the horror genre with “Freaks of the Heartland,” based on the graphic novel by Steve Niles.

Newcomers Peter Sattler and Geoff Davey penned the screenplay, with Green set to direct the big-screen version.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the story is set in a Middle American town and involves a man’s attempts to protect his "monster" of a 6-year-old younger brother and Gristlewood Valley's other "freaks" from their parents' worst instincts.

Niles also created “30 Days of Night,” which was successfully adapted to the big screen last year.

Green is known for directing indie flicks such as “All the Real Girls” and “Snow Angels,” before he broke into mainstream filmmaking with this summer’s action stoner comedy “Pineapple Express.”

Ouverture Films is developing “Freaks.” The production house is also currently working on “The Crazies” and “Pandorum.”