Movie News

Exclusive: McGehee & Siegel Developing The Alchemist

Source:Edward Douglas
October 30, 2009


ComingSoon.net has learned from filmmakers Scott McGehee and Dave Siegel (The Deep End, Bee Season) that they are currently working on an adaptation of The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho's bestselling adventure novel about an Andalusian shepherd boy who travels the world looking for treasures, for the Weinstein Company.

We first heard about the project back in 2007 when actor Laurence Fishburne and A-Mark Entertainment bought the rights to the novel with plans to direct, then over a year later, the Weinsteins came on board to produce and distribute the movie. At the time, it was reported that they would be looking for writers for the project but there hasn't been any development news since then. Coelho's novel has sold over 30 million copies worldwide, becoming a bestseller in 18 countries.

There's no word whether Laurence Fishburne may still be involved, either as director or starring in a key role as initially planned, but as directors themselves, McGehee and Siegel have also been looking at returning to a project called Baby, Baby, a baby heist comedy set in Turkey, which they'd been developing for years.

Look for our full interview with the duo talking about their latest movie Uncertainty in the next few weeks before its limited release on November 13.

COMMENTS (5)

Posted by:
Cross
October 30, 2009
This is one of the best books I have ever read, but it could be one of the worst movies ever made if it isn't treated with respect. Fishbourne cannot play the lead role. He's too old. He could play the Alchemist that the boy meets... I hope that's what they mean. I always assumed the title reffered to the boy/man/heardsman in the book.

But if done right... this could be a fairy tale movie that would stand the test of time like The Wizard of Oz.
Posted by:
Blackfox
October 30, 2009
WOW, I just read this book a few days ago for my class, it was incredible!!! I have big expectations for this movie.
Posted by:
EDouglasCS
October 30, 2009
The "title" role would be "The Alchemist," the title of the book :)
Posted by:
Hengky Tanoyo
October 31, 2009
I love the book, but seriously how are they going to pull it off. The book deals with contemplative and sometimes meditative journey that might turn into a yawnfest if visualized. But who knows?
Posted by:
Cross
October 31, 2009
EDouglasCS-
You obviously haven't read the book. I really don't want to ruin anything for anyone, but the main character goes through a journey to become an Alchemist, but there is someone else in the book who is an Alchemist as well. The title could refer to either one really. Fishbourne is WAY too old to play the main character. Read the book.

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