A feature film on Chevalier de Saint-Georges, known as the Black Mozart, is in development at Disney’s Searchlight Pictures.

The project is based on an original feature pitch from Emmy nominee and WGA Award winner Stefani Robinson, most known for her work as a writer on FX’s Atlanta. Stephen Williams, who has directed episodes of shows like Watchmen and Westworld is attached to direct. Williams most notably directed the standout, sixth episode of Watchmen‘s run, “The Extraordinary Being,”

As reported by Variety, which first broke this news:

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.

Searchlight will finance and distribute the project.

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Photo: Getty/Wikimedia commons

Stephen Williams

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