Actor Laurence Fishburne wanted to adapt the novel authored by Paulo Coelho for sixteen years after seizing the rights from Warner Bros. Pictures.
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In 2016, PalmStar Media acquired film rights and the developed screenplays for $5 million in partnership with TriStar. At this time, Fishburne was still attached to direct. But in July 2021, he was no longer directing. Instead, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Westbrook Studios unveiled a deal to join with Netter Films to produce The Alchemist, with PalmStar founder Kevin Frakes set to make his feature directorial debut on the project, having co-written the screenplay.
Here is the goodreads synopsis of The Alchemist:
Combining magic, mysticism, wisdom, and wonder into an inspiring tale of self-discovery, The Alchemist has become a modern classic, selling millions of copies around the world and transforming the lives of countless readers across generations.
Paulo Coelho's masterpiece tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. His quest will lead him to riches far different—and far more satisfying—than he ever imagined. Santiago's journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, recognizing opportunity and learning to read the omens strewn along life's path, and, most importantly, following our dreams.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter