Way back in 2007 (18 years in Movie Years) Ridley Scott signed on to direct 'Child 44,' but it seems he's just a bit too busy at the moment. But have no fear -- 'Safe House' director Daniel Espinosa has just landed the gig.

The Playlist reports that Daniel Espinosa has signed on to direct 'Child 44' over at Summit. Ridley Scott's Scott Free banner will back the project, keeping Scott involved. (How many more times can we say Scott in a sentence? Scott Scott Scott. Scott.)

The project is based on the novel by Tom Rob Smith, and has been adapted by Richard Price, who previously showcased his writing talent with 'Clockers' and 'The Wire.' The story takes place during the Cold War, when an MGB agent in Stalin's Soviet Union investigates the murder of a child and discovers that connections to the murder reach pretty high up the chain of government command. 'Child 44' is based on the true-life events involving the Rostov Ripper, a Ukrainian serial killer who committed over 50 murders in his time.

The project hasn't exactly been given the greenlight yet, but there is definite franchise possibility, as the novel is the first in a trilogy. In addition to 'Safe House,' Espinosa also directed the Swedish flick 'Snabba Cash,' starring the excellent Joel Kinnaman.

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