Philip Barantini in Talks to Direct "The Alchemist" Movie Adaptation

Following the runaway success of Netflix’s hit series “Adolescence,” the big time is calling for its helmer Philip Barantini.

A former actor and the filmmaker behind the giant streamer fourth-biggest English language series ever, Barantini is in discussions to direct an epic film adaptation of the beloved novel “The Alchemist,” sources said.

Legendary is producing the project based on the book written by Paul Coelho, first published in 1988. 

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. 

Legendary has been responsible for an uptick in optimism around town, having produced the unexpected blockbuster “A Minecraft Movie” for Warner Bros. 

“The Alchemist” follows protagonist Santiago, a young man who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure as extravagant as any ever found.

Legendary is eyeing a 2026 production start, another source adds. 

Sony’s TriStar Pictures and Palmstar are also on board to develop the property, with TriStar handling worldwide distribution. Jack Thorne (“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” “His Dark Materials”) is attached to write. 

Barantini would come directly off his current gig directing the third installment of Millie Bobby Brown’s “Enola Holmes” (also written by Thorne) series at Netflix. Reps for Barantini did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

“Adolescence” has been a massive U.S. breakout for the Liverpool-born Barantini and his creative partner and star Stephen Graham (who audiences will also see later this year in Jeremy Allen White’s Bruce Springsteen biopic “Deliver Me From Nowhere”). An alarming look at contemporary boyhood and the wasteland of digital culture, the series has prompted renewed political action around the policing of social media and device access for children and young adults.

Barantini’s credits include the four-time BAFTA nominated feature “Boiling Point,” which was spun into a successful BBC series that just launched its second season. 

He also created, directed and executive produced “Malpractice” for ITV. As an actor, Barantini appeared in works including “Dream Team,” “Band of Brothers” and “The Responder.”