White Lotus actor Will Sharpe has been cast to portray the iconic musical genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in the upcoming Sky Original limited series, Amadeus. The drama will see the collaboration of the team behind the acclaimed crime series Giri/Haji, with Joe Barton penning the screenplay and Julian Farino taking on the directorial duties.
The series, scheduled to commence filming later this year, is being produced by Two Cities Television in partnership with Sky Studios. This project will be a fresh interpretation of Peter Shaffer’s renowned 1979 stage play, Amadeus, with Barton leading the adaptation and Sharpe stepping into the pivotal role of Mozart.
Amadeus has a rich history, having enjoyed successful theatrical runs in London and New York, and inspiring Milos Forman’s 1984 film adaptation, which garnered eight Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture award. The Sky Original series will delve into the legendary rivalry between a youthful Mozart in 18th century Vienna and his contemporary composer counterpart, Antonio Salieri, exploring themes of jealousy, ambition, and genius.
The series synopsis teases an intriguing narrative, stating, “Recently unemployed and without the guidance of his father, Amadeus finds an unexpected ally in a young singer who eventually becomes his wife, the spirited Constanze Weber Mozart. Through her connections, he crosses paths with the court composer Antonio Salieri, leading to a collision of destinies that will shape their lives and legacies for years to come.”
Paul Gilbert, Megan Spanjian, Michael Jackson, Will Sharpe, Julian Farino, and Stephen Wright are onboard as executive producers, while Farino and Alice Seabright will take on directorial roles. NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution will handle the international sales of the series, ensuring its reach to a global audience.