I read the book, a crime thriller set in the the dance halls and libraries of Victorian London, last year, and it is wonderfully dark and delicious. Ackroyd's work is full of great detail of the rich atmosphere of the era. Certainly, Victorian London has been seen a lot on film, but I think a fresh perspective, especially from a non-UK director, is a great idea. Medina is the perfect director for this project; Painless showed his deft hand at combining beauty and terror, with an eye for subtle and effective detail, and he is not afraid of getting to the dark heart of danger and evil.
Number 9 is producing, with backing from Film4 and the BFI. Shooting is expected to being in early 2014.