Sky’s new five-part series of Amadeus offers several significant updates and differences compared to both Peter Shaffer’s original play and Miloš Forman’s 1984 movie.
One of the most interesting aspects of the new series is a fresh take on Paul Bettany‘s character, Antonio Salieri. He’s portrayed as a man wrestling with his faith while also experiencing strong sexual desires.
These scenes reach a point of genuine discomfort – and it wasn’t just the audience who felt it. Bettany found performing them equally challenging.
I strongly resisted having to do it, and only did it after a lot of reluctance.
Bettany believes Salieri is a compelling villain because he’s relatable. He explained that many people can identify with feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, or being let down by someone they care about, and have likely experienced selfish impulses they didn’t act on.
Bettany playfully said it was really satisfying to finally be able to put his ideas into action, describing the experience as ‘delicious’.
Bettany appeared with his fellow actors Will Sharpe and Gabrielle Creevy, who portray Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his wife, Constanze, in the production.
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This series tells the story of the intense competition between composers Salieri and Mozart, who both lived and worked in Vienna during the 1700s.
Mozart appears to create stunning music effortlessly, but Salieri struggles with his own creativity. This leads him to resent Mozart and ultimately rebel against what he sees as divine injustice.
Amadeus will launch on Sky and NOW on 21st December – sign up for Sky TV here.
Don’t miss out! Add Amadeus to your watchlist on the TopMob: What to Watch app. Download it today for daily TV suggestions, articles, and much more.
Authors
James Hibbs writes about TV dramas for TopMob, covering shows on streaming services and traditional channels. Before becoming a writer, he worked in public relations, first at a business-to-business agency and then at Fremantle, an international television production company. He has a BA in English and Theatre Studies, as well as a Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
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2025-12-27 11:36