Sky has commissioned a new iteration of the Amadeus story, from writer Joe Barton and Two Cities Television, starring Will Sharpe as the titular composer.

The Sky Original series will film later this year – locations are yet to be confirmed – with directors Julian Farino and Alice Seabright on board.

The executive producers on Amadeus are Paul Gilbert and Megan Spanjian for Sky Studios, Michael Jackson and Stephen Wright for Two Cities Television, directors Farino and Seabright plus Barton and Sharpe.

The new version, inspired by Peter Shaffer’s original, award-winning play, expands and explores the rivalry between a determinedly independent, 25-year-old Mozart and court composer Antonio Salieri. Along with Mozart’s wife Constanze Weber, the three protagonists’ lives are set out in a collision course that will define their legacies for years to come.

Production begins later this year; NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution will handle international sales of the series.

Will Sharpe image via Sky.