"Westbrook Studios, Netter Films, and PalmStar Media have locked a September start date in Morocco for The Alchemist, the seminal Paulo Coelho novel that PalmStar principal Kevin Frakes will direct," the media website noted.

The film's cast includes Sebastian De Souza, Tom Hollander, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Jordi Molla, Moroccan actor Youssef Kerkour (BAFTA Award nominee), and renowned Palestinian actor Ashraf Barhom, it added.

The film, scheduled for release in late 2022, is co-produced by Will Smith and Jon Mone for Westbrook Studios, Frakes and Raj Singh for PalmStar, and Gil Netter for Netter Films.

The Alchemist follows a young Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago on an epic quest for a life-changing treasure. The book is an international best-seller and beloved literary work; the film's cast and crew represent the authenticity of the story's setting in Spain and North Africa, as well as the diversity of global and diverse production, the media outlet highlighted.

"The Alchemist is insightful and magical. It has given people the courage to take chances and chase their dreams. And now, the film can do the same," said Westbrook Studios Co-president and Head of Motion Pictures Jon Mone, quoted by "Deadline Hollywood".