Idris Elba in talks to star in Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist

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Reportedly, Idris Elba is set for a lead role in The Alchemist, based on the Paulo Coelho bestseller.

The big-screen adaptation on Coelho’s novel has been in development since 1994 when the author originally sold the rights to Warner Bros for $250,000. The project appeared to be a lost cause, until Laurence Fishburne picked up the rights at a later date.

Now, Deadline is reporting that Fishburne is rumored to be directing the film, which is being assembled by Harvey Weinstein. Allegedly, the biggest problems with pre-production have revolved around how much action should be included in the film, which has affected budget projections. There has been no word yet on how Fishburne plans to address these concerns in his adaptation. He has only directed on film previously.

The Alchemist was first published in 1988 and has gone on to sell over 65 million copies worldwide, with celebrities like Oprah, Will Smith and Pharrell all claiming it is one of their favorite books of all time.

Given how Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom didn’t do as well as expected, this film could be Elba’s best bid — to date — for an Oscar nod.

The goal is to start filming next year.