Story perspectives

Starz Acquires U.S. Rights for Amadeus Series Adaptation

1/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Starz has acquired the U.S. rights to the five-part limited series Amadeus.
The adaptation, based on Peter Shaffer’s play, centers on the Mozart–Salieri rivalry.
Will Sharpe (actor), Paul Bettany (actor), and Gabrielle Creevy (actor) star as Mozart, Salieri, and Constanze Weber.
It premiered in the United Kingdom on Sky and will debut on Starz this year.
Two Cities Television produces the series with Sky Studios, with Joe Barton as executive producer.

History

Historical Context

The 1979 play "Amadeus" by Peter Shaffer, inspired by Pushkin's earlier work, explores the fictional rivalry between composers Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri. The acclaimed 1984 film adaptation won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and significantly shaped public perception of both composers. A new limited series by Starz continues to highlight their complex legacies in classical music.

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Story summary

Starz has acquired the U.S. rights to the five-part limited series Amadeus.
The adaptation, based on Peter Shaffer’s play, centers on the Mozart–Salieri rivalry.
Will Sharpe (actor), Paul Bettany (actor), and Gabrielle Creevy (actor) star as Mozart, Salieri, and Constanze Weber.
It premiered in the United Kingdom on Sky and will debut on Starz this year.
Two Cities Television produces the series with Sky Studios, with Joe Barton as executive producer.

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