Director of “Adolescence” to Helm Adaptation of Paulo Coelho’s “The Alchemist”

British filmmaker Philip Barantini, known for “Adolescence” and “Boiling Point,” is bringing Paulo Coelho’s beloved novel “The Alchemist” to the silver screen, according to Variety.

The story follows Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd, who embarks on a quest to uncover a treasure hidden near the Egyptian pyramids. Since its publication in 1988, the novel has captivated readers worldwide, selling over 150 million copies.

The screenplay for “The Alchemist” comes from Jack Thorne, who previously collaborated with Barantini on “Adolescence.” The project is backed by Legendary and TriStar studios, with production set to begin in 2026. Details about the cast and release date remain under wraps.

Over the years, various attempts to adapt “The Alchemist” have surfaced, involving names like Laurence Fishburne, Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, and studios such as Warner Bros. and the Weinstein Company, none of which came to fruition.

Barantini’s recent work, “Adolescence,” debuted on Netflix in March and swiftly climbed into the platform’s top five most-watched series within a month. Its creators are now exploring the possibility of a second season.