‘Black Mozart’ Biopic Lands at Searchlight From Director Stephen Williams, Writer Stefani Robinson

The true story of Chevalier de Saint-Georges, known as the “Black Mozart,” is coming to theaters via a hot creative team and Searchlight Pictures, Variety has learned.

“Chevalier de Saint-Georges” was an original feature pitch from Stefani Robinson, the Emmy-nominated and WGA Award-winning writer of FX’s “Atlanta” and “What We Do in the Shadows.” Director Stephen Williams, a DGA Award nominee for “Watchmen” and “Westworld,” will helm the pic.

De Saint-Georges’ story is largely untold and fascinating. Born in 1745 in the French Caribbean, the musical prodigy was the illegitimate son of an African slave and a French plantation owner. He rose to improbable heights in French society, dazzling as both a violinist and composer, and a champion fencer. An ill-fated love affair with a French noblewoman, and a falling out with Marie Antoinette and her court led to his untimely downfall.