Stephen Poliakoff to Return to Major TV Drama With Thriller The Order
Stephen Poliakoff, the renowned writer with multiple BAFTA and Emmy awards to his name, is making a grand return to television with his latest project, “The Order.” This new series is an international political thriller set against the backdrop of the historic Great Siege of Malta in 1565.
The announcement of the eight-part series was made by Malta Film Commissioner Johann Grech at the prestigious Mediterrane Film Festival’s Golden Bee Awards ceremony. Based on Peter Portelli’s acclaimed novel, “The Order” promises to delve into one of the most significant conflicts in history.
Describing the series, Poliakoff stated, “‘The Order’ is a captivating blend of politics, faith, ambition, and survival during a time when the fate of nations hung in the balance. It’s a narrative of individuals navigating immense pressures and making impossible choices against the dramatic backdrop of a pivotal historical period.”
Produced by Little Island Productions and Hopefield in collaboration with the Malta Film Commission, “The Order” will be primarily set and filmed in Malta. The project is currently in active development, with production scheduled to commence in 2027.
For Poliakoff, known for his work on acclaimed miniseries like “Perfect Strangers” and “Shooting the Past,” as well as notable films such as “Close My Eyes,” “The Order” signifies a return to epic storytelling on television. The series will blend large-scale international storytelling with the intimate character-driven narratives that have become synonymous with Poliakoff’s work. Executive Producers include Helen Flint, Neil Chordia, Nick Portelli, and Peter Portelli.
Malta Film Commissioner Johann Grech expressed his pride in collaborating with the talented team behind “The Order,” stating, “Malta is increasingly becoming a hub for ambitious and globally resonant television dramas. Working with Stephen Poliakoff, Peter Portelli, Helen Flint, Neil Chordia, and their teams on a project that combines exceptional creative talent with Malta’s rich history and production expertise is a privilege.”
Helen Flint, CEO and executive producer of Little Island Productions, praised Poliakoff’s ability to bring pivotal historical moments to life through compelling storytelling. She described “The Order” as a gripping political thriller with a remarkable scale and ambition, driven by intriguing characters and the human consequences of power.
Neil Chordia, executive producer at Hopefield, highlighted the compelling nature of “The Order,” emphasizing its relevance in today’s world. The series promises a richly detailed and engaging narrative set against the backdrop of Malta’s unique geography and architecture.
As the project progresses, more details regarding casting, directing, financing, and international distribution will be announced in the near future. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting new series from Stephen Poliakoff.
