Ritchie to direct film version of Gamekeeper comic

Gangster movie filmmaker Guy Ritchie is going to direct a film version of the comic series The Gamekeeper.

The story features a reclusive caretaker of a Scottish estate with a dark past.

When the alleged killer of his son surfaces, the gamekeeper uses his tracking skills and expert knowledge of the animal kingdom to hunt down his prey.

Warner Bros will make the film, according to screen bible Variety.

The Gamekeeper comic was based on an idea by Ritchie and written by author Andy Diggle.

It was part of Virgin Comics’ Director’s Cut, a series of stories from filmmakers.

Warner’s production president Jeff Robinov said: “After reading Guy’s comics, we knew instantly that the action-packed story and complex characters would resonate with film audiences.”

Ritchie, aged 38, found acclaim in 1998 with gangster caper Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

Swept Away, in which Ritchie cast his superstar wife Madonna, went straight to DVD after a mauling from critics.

His last gangster movie Revolver was voted 2005’s biggest screen turkey.

Ritchie is now directing RocknRolla, starring Thandie Newton.