‘Alchemist’ Film Adapts with Eye on ‘Adolescence’ Director Philip Barantini (Exclusive)

After the tremendous popularity of the streaming show \”Adolescence,\” the spotlight is now shining brightly on its director, Philip Barantini.

A previous actor and the creator of one of Netflix’s most successful English-language series, Barantini is reportedly in talks to helm a big-screen version of the classic book “The Alchemist,” according to sources.
Velvet Voque
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Legendary is producing the project based on the book written by Paul Coelho, first published in 1988. Having sold over 150 million copies, the book topped the New York Times best-seller list for more than 400 weeks and holds the record for the most translated work by a living author. The studio has been responsible for an uptick in optimism around town, having produced the unexpected blockbuster \”A Minecraft Movie\” for Warner Bros.

Legendary is aiming for a 2026 commencement of production, an additional source stated. Barantini would transition from his present role as director of the third film in the \”Enola Holmes\” series starring Millie Bobby Brown, which is being produced by Netflix. Representatives for Barantini have not yet responded to requests for comments.

\”Adolescence\” has been
a massive U.S. breakout
For the Liverpudlian creator Barantini and his collaborator and lead actor Stephen Graham—who viewers will recognize from their upcoming appearance in Jeremy Allen White’s “Deliver Me From Nowhere,” a biography film about Bruce Springsteen—the show offers a stark examination of modern youth and the desolation brought upon by digital culture. This series has spurred fresh calls for policy changes concerning the regulation of social media use and device accessibility among minors and young adults.

Barantini’s portfolio features the critically acclaimed film “Boiling Point,” which earned four BAFTA nominations and later evolved into a popular BBC series now entering its second season. Additionally, he developed, helmed, and served as an executive producer for “Malpractice” on ITV. In terms of acting roles, Barantini has been part of productions such as “Dream Team,” “Band of Brothers,” and “The Responder.”