AceShowbiz -

Marking his comeback to film industry, David Ondaatje has given positive sign to write and helm "The Lodger", a remake of silent flick made by Alfred Hitchcock, Production Weekly has reported.

Slated to start taking the principal photography early next year in Los Angeles, pic is likely to stay close to the original version which was adapted from Marie Adelaide Lowndes' novel of the same title. There's no word yet on either other film crew or production company handling the project.

A 1927 feature, the original told about a fictional version of the Jack the Ripper killings. The story revolves around a couple who receives a mysterious lodger at their home during the time when the terror is still circulating around. As time goes by, the couple's daughter gradually becomes enamored with the lodger while her boyfriend begins to suspect the man to possibly be the killer.

Also a producer, Ondaatje made his foray in directing through a 1997 film feature entitled "June 8." He last helmed "Waiting for Dr. MacGuffin" (1998) of which screenplay he also wrote.