TriStar and PalmStar are set to turn Paulo Coelho’s novel “The Alchemist” into a feature film, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
Coelho’s book has sold over 65 million copies in 56 languages, following a young Spaniard who embarks on a quest to find a hidden treasure in the Egyptian pyramids. The book also holds a Guinness world record for being the most translated work by a living author.
Previously, the rights had been set up at The Weinstein Company with Laurence Fishburne and Idris Elba to direct and star. A few weeks ago, it was announced that PalmStar’s Kevin Frakes and Buddy Patrick acquired the rights to the classic novel from TWC for $6.5 million.
“I’m thrilled to be partnering with PalmStar on ‘The Alchemist,'” said TriStar President Hannah Minghella. “Like most fans of the book, I remember where I was when I first read ‘The Alchemist.’ It is a story I have returned to over the years and it has long been a dream to bring this insightful, magical and cinematic adventure to the screen. It’s easy to see why the book has connected with more than 65 million people around the world, and we’re committed to making a film that authentically captures its power and expands its reach.”
In addition, the label is also adapting the bestseller “The Nightingale” with director Michelle MacLaren and the novel “The Trap.” Recently, TriStar teamed up with producer Mark Cordon to acquire “The Chronicles of Narnia” series and will adapt the next book, “The Silver Chair.”
PalmStar’s upcoming films include “Collateral Beauty” starring Will Smith, Kate Winslet and Ed Norton, and “John Wick: Chapter Two” starring Keanu Reeves.
Brian Burkin negotiated the deal on behalf of TriStar, while Craig Emanuel negotiated on behalf of PalmStar.
16 of the Highest Grossing Book-to-Big Screen Adaptations of All Time
"Jaws" (1975)
The first Steven Spielberg-directed movie on the list made $260 million and is based on the Peter Benchley novel of the same name.
"How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (2000)
The Dr. Seuss classic is the only holiday-oriented picture on the list, besting "Jaws" by less than $5,000.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
The first of a series of films based on the work of C.S. Lewis, "The Chronicles of Narnia" grossed $291 million.
"The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" (2010)
As a whole, the Stephenie Meyer-created "The Twilight Saga" has grossed more than $1.3 billion across five films, but the most successful was "Eclipse," which made over $300.5 million.
"Forrest Gump" (1994)
The award-winning film starring Tom Hanks in the titular role earned well over $329.6 million, a beloved movie based on the Winston Groom novel.
"Alice in Wonderland" (2010)
Though there's been several adaptations of Lewis Carroll's fantastic 1865 novel, no version has been more successful than Disney's interpretation starring Johnny Depp, which took in more than $334 million at the box office.
"The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" (2003)
"The Return of the King" grossed $378 million, earning the most of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. All of the adaptations of author J.R.R. Tolkien's series earned more than $315 million.
"Harry Potter and the Death Hallows Part 2" (2011)
The epic finale of the beloved "Harry Potter" series grossed more than $381 million, bringing the domestic box office grand total to $2.39 billion. The wild success of the franchise made its creator, J.K. Rowling, the first and (so far) only billionaire author.
"Jurassic Park" (1993)
Celebrating its 20th anniversary with a 3D release, the flick made $402 million on its initial release. Michael Crichton, author of the novel, had his hands on the screenplay as well.
"Spider-Man" (2002)
Sony's Marvel Comics superhero adaptation "Spider-Man" shot to the top of the box office upon release, raking in more than $403.7 million. Its sequels, "Spider-Man 2" and "Spider-Man 3" were less successful but still earned a combined $710.1 million.
"Iron Man 3" (2013)
The only movie released this year that made the list is "Iron Man 3," and it's a figure Tony Stark would be proud of: $405 million. The trio of movies, starring another Marvel Comics-created superhero, made well over $1 billion worldwide.
"The Hunger Games" (2012)
The highly anticipated sequel, "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," is expected to do big business at the box office after its Suzanne Collins-penned predecessor, "The Hunger Games," took in more than $408 million.
"The Lion King" (1994)
Filmmakers of "The Lion King" said that the Disney animated film's story is inspired by Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and the Bible. The picture raked in more than $422 million at the box office.
"Shrek 2" (2004)
William Steig's picture book "Shrek!" has spawned a major franchise, with the second film about the green ogre grossing the most, $441.2 million.
"The Dark Knight" (2008)
The most successful take on the DC Comics superhero, Batman, the Christopher Nolan-helmed trilogy took in almost $1.2 billion combined. The film also gave Heath Ledger a posthumous Oscar and brought well over half a billion on its own.
"Marvel's The Avengers" (2012)
The Marvel Comics superhero team smashed box office records, earning more than $623.3 million, making it the most successful comic book adaptation to hit theaters to date.
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From "Twlight" to "Harry Potter" to "The Dark Knight" — here are some of the most successful literary adaptations at the domestic box office
"Jaws" (1975)
The first Steven Spielberg-directed movie on the list made $260 million and is based on the Peter Benchley novel of the same name.
