Novel "The Alchemist" To Be Adapted Into A Film

Los Angeles, CA (CNS) - Another book is being turned into a movie. Paulo Coelho's bestseller "The Alchemist" is being adapted for the screen by the Weinstein Company. Laurence Fishburne is set to star.

"The Matrix" star is also set to direct and produce the project. He said the book's path to the screen would be "handled with the proper care it deserves."

Contactmusic.com quotes the 46-year-old actor as saying, "I am looking forward to directing it, acting in it, and collaborating with Harvey Weinstein to produce a beautiful film that will do justice to Paulo's enormously successful novel."

As for Coelho's part, the author said he is happy that his friend, Fishburne, is filming his masterpiece in the manner he intended.

He said, "I hope the spirit and simplicity of my work will be preserved. I am excited my friend Laurence Fishburne and Harvey Weinstein will be working together."

The novel tells the story of a Spanish shepherd boy named Santiago, who travels through Africa in search of a magical treasure and has an encounter with an alchemist.