“The Alchemist” is one phenomenal book that is a classic favorite of book readers around the world. Written by author Paulo Coelho, “The Alchemist” without a doubt is one of the most famous books out there today. The Alchemist is one such book that people who do not read books often, have also probably come across at least once. The book was published first in 1988, and ever since that, it has continuously remained as a bestseller across continents.
But, the book wasn’t limited to just words and book readers. The book was planned to be remade into a film and one might know the latest update on the filming of “The Alchemist”. Earlier this month in Cannes, Jada Pinkett-Smith and Will Smith’s production house Westbrook Studios announced that they will be joining Netter Films to produce the movie. Even the cast was announced, with Sebastian de Souza, Tom Hollander, and Shohreh Aghdashloo leading the movie.
The movie was being financed by Palm Star Medias, which had acquired the book rights back in 2015. The shoot was even scheduled to begin from September in Morocco, but now all these have come to a sudden stop. The movie again, has come across a massive roadblock. Earlier, it was rumored that it was related to financing issues, but now it is being revealed that rights transfer related to the book is the cause behind the pause. The creators don’t see it getting solved anytime soon, as they believe it might take some more time, hence the production has been completely stopped and the crew sent home.
Now when we mentioned “again” earlier, it was because this isn’t the first time the movie has come across a roadblock. The movie was planned approximately two decades ago with Warner Bros. acquiring the rights from the author in the early 90s. Laurence Fishburne, was on board to create the movie as he is a fan of Coelho’s work. Again, in 2008, Weinstein Co. associated them with the movie and brought the film rights along with Fishburne.
In 2015, it was announced that Idris Elba would be headlining the movie, but a major change came as Palm Star Media bought the rights of the film. Fishburne, till then was still onboard as the director of the movie, until July 2021 came in. As Will Smith’s company announced the movie, it was revealed that Fishburne was no longer a part of the movie and that Kevin Frakes would make this movie his directorial debut.
Nearly, after two decades and several stoppages, it finally looked like the movie was getting back on track but again the issue with the transfer of the rights popped up and has put the movie on hold until the issue gets resolved.
Now, only time will be the answer, as to when the production begins again, will there be any more changes given the change in a time frame and everything else. Paulo Coelho’s Guinness World Record holder masterpiece will definitely be a movie to watch out as fans that have been inspired by the books will be paying close attention to every detail that comes on the screen in the movie. The makers definitely have big shoes to fill with the movie adaptation of the groundbreaking bestseller.
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