A lavish new television dramatisation of the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart makes its highly anticipated debut today, bringing together an ensemble cast featuring some of Britain's most celebrated actors from hit shows like Bridgerton, The Crown, and Game of Thrones.
A Modern Retelling of a Musical Rivalry
The five-part limited series, titled simply 'Amadeus', begins streaming on Sky Atlantic and NOW from Saturday, 21 December 2025. It places Will Sharpe in the pivotal lead role, portraying the legendary and prodigiously talented composer Mozart. The narrative charts his spectacular rise and tumultuous fall within the cut-throat world of Viennese high society, while simultaneously exploring the bitter envy and rivalry fostered in fellow composer Antonio Salieri.
This fresh adaptation for the small screen comes from the creative team behind Black Doves, led by writer Joe Barton, and is directed by Julian Farino and Alice Seabright. It reimagines Peter Shaffer's iconic stage play for a new generation, arriving over forty years after Miloš Forman's Oscar-winning film of the same name captivated cinema audiences.
Meet the Principals of the Amadeus Cast
Heading the bill is Will Sharpe as Wolfgang 'Amadeus' Mozart. Sharpe, whom audiences will recognise from his critically acclaimed role as Ethan in the second season of HBO's The White Lotus, embodies the brilliant yet troubled musical genius. His career began on British screens with a lengthy stint on BBC's Casualty, and has since included roles in Netflix's Too Much and the film A Real Pain.
Playing his nemesis, the esteemed court composer Antonio Salieri, is Paul Bettany. Bettany, globally known for his portrayal of Vision in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, brings a formidable presence to the role of the man increasingly consumed by jealousy at Mozart's divine gift.
Gabrielle Creevy takes on the part of Constanze Weber, the singer who becomes Mozart's wife and crucial ally. Creevy, star of Black Doves and In My Skin, portrays the character who helps Mozart navigate the treacherous political and artistic circles of the era.
A Supporting Cast of Acclaimed Stars
The series boasts a remarkably deep bench of British acting talent in key supporting roles. Rory Kinnear assumes the role of Emperor Joseph II, the Habsburg monarch and patron of the arts. The ensemble is further strengthened by familiar faces from some of television's biggest recent exports.
Notably, Hugh Sachs (Bridgerton) appears as Von Strack, while Rupert Vansittart (Game of Thrones) plays Rosenberg. Viola Prettejohn (The Crown) features as Princess Elizabeth, and Jonathan Aris (Sherlock) portrays Mozart's father, Leopold.
The full principal cast list for Amadeus includes:
- Lucy Cohu as Cecilia Weber
- Ényì Okoronkwo as Da Ponte
- Jessica Alexander as Katerina
- Paul Bazely as Von Swieten
- Anastasia Martin as Aloysia Weber
- Nancy Farino as Josepha Weber
- Olivia-Mai Barrett as Sophie Weber
- Jyuddah Jaymes as Franz Süssmayr
The series promises a sumptuous, dramatic, and psychologically nuanced exploration of genius, jealousy, and legacy. With its premiere on 21 December 2025, Amadeus offers a prestigious and star-studded cornerstone for Sky Atlantic's festive and winter programming schedule, inviting viewers into the opulent and competitive heart of 18th-century European music.
