The Hollywood Reporter reports that Laurence Fishburne and A-Mark Entertainment have purchased the film rights to the novel "The Alchemist" from Warner Bros., to which they plan on making the film themselves.

Written by Paulo Coelho, the film tells of a traveler who travels the war during the Inquisition in order to find man's purpose in the world. In 2003, Warner Bros. purchased the rights to the book with the intent to have Fishburne star in the movie. The movie didn't get made and so Fishburne has purchased the rights to produce the film himself.

Fishburne will write the screenplay and direct as well. Barrie Osborne ("The Lord of the Rings") is producing alongside "Akeelah and the Bee" producers Fishburne and Helen Sugland.