Info in Movie News | After achieving good popularity with his TV show Adolescence which aired on the streaming platform, Philip Barantini, a director from Liverpool, is about to grab this opportunity for having under his belt probably the greatest film of his life and career. According to a report from Variety, Barantini is being eyed to direct the long-anticipated adaptation of The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho’s beloved novel that has captivated readers worldwide for over three decades.
Legendary Entertainment is spearheading the production with plans to begin filming in 2026. They’re partnering with Sony’s TriStar Pictures and Palmstar on development while Jack Thorne, best known for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, is attached as the screenwriter. Barantini is currently working with Thorne on Enola Holmes 3 for Netflix, making this potential collaboration on The Alchemist feel like a natural continuation.
The road to bring The Alchemist to the screen has been anything but smooth. Several previous attempts have fallen apart over the years. In the early 2000s, Will Smith's production company got hold of the rights but faced creative disagreements and script problems. At a later date, a version with Idris Elba and Laurence Fishburne was publicized in 2016, resulting in it being put on hold, though it was because of rights issues and budget challenges. The novel’s deeply philosophical tone and symbolic storytelling have made it a notoriously difficult project to adapt.
Still, with Legendary now in control and a more grounded creative team in place, there’s renewed optimism that this time the adaptation might finally happen. The source material has proven to be unforgettable. The Alchemist, originally published in 1988, is the story of Santiago, a young Spanish shepherd who starts a dangerous journey to get rich. By the end of it, he will have found out that true wealth is hidden in self-realization, comprehension of the language of the world, and following one's heart. More than 150 million copies have been sold, and the book is available in more than 80 languages, making it the most translated book by a living author.
The book was Paulo Coelho’s responsibility and he is now considered one of the most serious spiritual authors possibly of our generation. His powerful narratives combined with engaging metaphors have had a positive impact on the lives of millions of people by making them delve deeply into their dreams, fears, and meaning of life in a peaceful way.
Having left a career as an actor in series like Band of Brothers and The Responder, Barantini has turned to directing and enjoyed quite a success. His movie Boiling Point, premiered in 2021, got four BAFTA nominations and was adapted into a great BBC series. His latest hit Adolescence is a raw look at modern youth and the darker side of digital culture. It struck a nerve with audiences and critics alike, even sparking political conversations around social media regulation for teens.
If Barantini does take the reins on The Alchemist, we might finally get a version that balances the book’s emotional depth with a cinematic style that feels authentic, human, and deeply resonant.
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