David R. Ellis, whose Shark Night 3D hits theaters today, has signed on to direct a live-action adaptation of the Japanese OVA Kite, Variety reports.

Released as two halves in Japan, the 1998 anime was directed by Yasuomi Umetsu and told the story of a sexually abused orphaned schoolgirl, Sawa, who becomes an assassin.

The original famous for its high level of sex and violence, Kite has been planned for a live-action version for some time. In 2008, it was announced that Mexican directors Jorge and Javier Aguilera were attached, though nothing significant developed.

Production on Kite is expected to begin in early 2012.