Idris Elba will play lead role in film adaptation of 'The Alchemist'

Los Angeles: Luther star Idris Elba is in talks to play the lead role in the much-talked about film adaptation of Paulo Coelho’s bestselling novel The Alchemist. The Weinstein Company is also eyeing director Laurence Fishburne to helm the long-gestating project, reported Deadline. The Alchemist centres on a young Spaniard who embarks on a quest to find a hidden treasure within the Egyptian pyramids. [caption id=“attachment_2234570” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Idris Elba. Getty Images[/caption] No deals have closed yet, but this is said to be a passion project for both producer Harvey Weinstein and Fishburne. The production house is hoping to get this in front of cameras in 2016. Coelho’s book is something of a publishing sensation, having sold more than 65 million copies in 56 different languages. It reputedly holds the Guinness world record for most translated work by a living author. PTI