Disney acquires rights to 'female Indiana Jones' graphic novel series

The character is a 19th century swashbuckler who owns a flying ship

Delilah Dirk alternate cover art (Delilah Dirk Tony Cliff)

Studio giants Disney has turned its attention to a graphic novel series led by a character described as a 'female Indiana Jones.'

The source material - named Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant - follows the titular protagonist as she treads the globe performing high-octane actions such as battling pirates and traveling around on her flying boat.

Deadline reports that the first book in the series will be adapted into a 19th century-set live action film beginning with a prison escape in Turkey.

The film will introduce Delilah's 'mild-mannered' sidekick, Selim as well as Delilah herself who is a swashbuckling sword expert trained in 27 differing techniques; we're sure Disney will tone down the violence for a family-friendly audience.

Author Tony Cliff released the book back in 2013 whereupon it became a New York Times bestseller.

With the all-female - and apparently really funny - Ghostbusters on its way, as well as the Alicia Vikander-led Tomb Raider reboot, it seems that Delilah Dirk is another positive move in the enhancement of strong roles for women.

In terms of the actual Indiana Jones, a fifth film has been confirmed - the first since 2008's Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. It will be released in 2019.