Stephen Poliakoff, the acclaimed multi-BAFTA and Emmy-winning writer, is set to return to large-scale television with the newly-announce “The Order,” an international political thriller set in the months leading up to and during the The Great Siege of Malta in 1565.
The eight-part series was announced by Malta Film Commissioner Johann Grech at the Mediterrane Film Festival‘s annual Golden Bee Awards ceremony.
Based on the acclaimed novel by Peter Portelli, “The Order” will be set against the backdrop of one of history’s most consequential conflicts.
“‘The Order’ is the extraordinary collision of politics, faith, ambition and survival at a moment when the fate of nations hung in the balance,” said Poliakoff. “It’s a story of people navigating immense pressures and impossible choices, set against one of the most dramatic periods in history.”
The series is being produced by Little Island Productions and Hopefield in association with the Malta Film Commission. Set and filmed in Malta, the project will utilise the island as its principal production base. The project is in active development with production anticipated to commence in 2027.
“The Order” marks the return to epic TV for Poliakoff, best known for miniseries such as “Perfect Strangers” and “Shooting the Past” and films including “Close My Eyes,” combining large-scale international storytelling with the intimate character-driven narratives that have defined his career. Executive Producers are Helen Flint for Little Island Productions, Neil Chordia for Hopefield, Nick Portelli and Peter Portelli.
“’The Order’ represents exactly the kind of ambitious, internationally resonant television drama that Malta is increasingly attracting and supporting,” said Grech. “We are proud to be working with Stephen Poliakoff, Peter Portelli, Helen Flint, Neil Chordia and their teams on a project that brings together exceptional creative talent with Malta’s unique history, locations and production expertise.”
Added Helen Flint, CEO and executive producer of Little Island Productions: “Stephen Poliakoff is one of our most distinctive and visionary dramatists, with an extraordinary ability to bring pivotal moments in history to life through deeply human stories. ‘The Order’ is a compelling and ruthless political thriller with remarkable scale and ambition, but at its heart it is driven by character, intrigue and the human consequences of power.”
Neil Chordia, executive producer, Hopefield, said: “‘The Order’ has all the ingredients of a compelling international drama: a remarkable true historical backdrop, political intrigue and a story that feels strikingly relevant today. Stephen’s vision is richly detailed and deeply engaging, and Malta lies at the heart of that vision, bringing to life a fascinating chapter of history through its extraordinary geography and architecture.”
Further announcements regarding casting, directing, financing and international distribution will be made in due course.