Acclaimed multiple BAFTA and Emmy winner Stephen Poliakoff is set to return to big screen television with a new international political thriller, The Order, set in the months leading up to and during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565.
The eight-part series was announced by Malta Film Commissioner Johan Grech at the Mediterranean Film Festival’s annual Golden Bee Awards ceremony.
Based on the acclaimed novel by Peter Portelli, The Order is set against the backdrop of one of history’s most significant conflicts.
“‘The Order’ is an extraordinary clash of politics, faith, ambition and survival at a moment when the fate of a nation is at stake,” Poliakoff said. “This is a story of people overcoming immense pressure and impossible choices, set against the backdrop of one of the most dramatic periods in history.”
The series is produced by Little Island Productions and Hopefield in association with the Malta Film Commission. Set and filmed in Malta, the project will utilize Malta as its primary production base. The project is currently in intensive development and production is expected to begin in 2027.
“The Order” marks a return to big-screen television for Poliakoff, best known for miniseries such as “Perfect Strangers” and “Shooting the Past” and films such as “Close My Eyes,” combining large-scale international storytelling with the intimate character-driven narratives that have defined his career. Executive producers are Helen Flint of Little Island Productions, Neil Cordia, Nick Portelli and Peter Portelli of Hopefield.
“‘The Order’ truly represents the type of ambitious, internationally resonant television drama that Malta is increasingly attracted to and supported,” Grech said. “We are proud to be working with Stephen Poliakoff, Peter Portelli, Helen Flint, Neil Cordia and their team on a project that brings together exceptional creative talent with Malta’s unique history, location and production expertise.”
Helen Flint, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Producer of Little Island Productions, said: “Stephen Poliakoff is one of our most unique and visionary playwrights, and he brings history to life through deeply human stories.” He has an uncanny ability to bring moments to life. ‘The Order’ is a compelling and ruthless political thriller of incredible scale and ambition, but at its core it is driven by character, intrigue and the effects of power on people.”
Hopefield Executive Producer Neil Cordia said: “The Order has all the makings of a compelling international drama: remarkable and true historical context, political intrigue and a story that feels extremely relevant today. Stephen’s vision is detailed and deeply fascinating, and Malta is at the heart of that vision, bringing a fascinating chapter of history to life through its extraordinary geography and architecture.”
Further announcements regarding casting, direction, financing and international distribution will be made in due course.
