Starz Adapts 'Amadeus' as Limited Series, Reviving Mozart-Salieri Rivalry
Starz has released a five-part limited series adaptation of Peter Shaffer's play 'Amadeus,' directed by Milos Forman in 1984. The series stars Paul Bettany as Antonio Salieri and Will Sharpe as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, with Joe Barton ('Black Doves') as showrunner. The original play debuted in 1979 and won a Tony Award; Forman's film won eight Academy Awards including Best Picture. The series explores the fictional rivalry between Mozart and Salieri, a narrative that originated from Alexander Pushkin's 1830 drama 'Mozart and Salieri.' Historians consider the story largely fictional. The series airs Fridays on Starz. A West End production starring Michael Sheen as Salieri is set for spring 2027.
Key facts
- Starz released a five-part limited series adaptation of 'Amadeus'.
- Paul Bettany plays Salieri, Will Sharpe plays Mozart.
- Joe Barton ('Black Doves') created the series.
- The original play debuted in 1979 and won a Tony Award.
- Milos Forman's 1984 film won eight Oscars.
- The story is based on Alexander Pushkin's 1830 drama.
- Historians consider the Mozart-Salieri rivalry largely fictional.
- Michael Sheen will star in a West End production in spring 2027.
Entities
Artists
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- Antonio Salieri
- Peter Shaffer
- Milos Forman
- Paul Bettany
- Will Sharpe
- Joe Barton
- Michael Sheen
- F. Murray Abraham
- Tom Hulce
- Alexander Pushkin
- Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
- Kendrick Lamar
- Drake
- Prince
- Michael Jackson
- Falco
- Michelangelo
- Leonardo da Vinci
- Raphael
- Charles Dance
- Chris Rock
Institutions
- Starz
- Salon
- PBS
- Tony Awards
- Academy Awards
- Grammy Awards
- Super Bowl
Locations
- Vienna
- Austria