Idris Elba to star in Laurence Fishburne’s The Alchemist

Six months ago, I mentioned that Laurence Fishburne was developing an adaptation of Paulo Coelho’s novel The Alchemist. At the time, Fishburne was going to play Melchizedek — a king who may be based on the biblical character of that name (I’ve never read the book) — and Javier Bardem was going to play the Alchemist.

Now comes word, via Deadline, that Idris Elba is going to star in the film, which may start shooting next year — though Deadline does not say who Elba would be playing. Deadline also mentions that Fishburne will direct the film, but it does not say whether he will be acting in it as well. Deadline also says nothing about Bardem.

More details later, if and when they arrive.