Stephen Poliakoff Set to Helm Epic Historical Thriller ‘The Order’ Centered on the Great Siege of Malta
Acclaimed British dramatist Stephen Poliakoff is poised to make a grand return to television with The Order, an ambitious eight-part historical political thriller set against the backdrop of one of the 16th century's most defining military conflicts. The project was officially unveiled by Malta Film Commissioner Johann Grech during the Mediterrane Film Festival. Produced as an international collaboration, the high-end drama series will delve into the intense geopolitical machinations, espionage, and personal conflicts unfolding in the months leading up to and during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565.
A Turning Point in History
The Great Siege of Malta remains a legendary chapter in military history. It pitted the Knights Hospitaller—the Catholic military order also known as the Knights of St. John—against the expanding Ottoman Empire under Suleiman the Magnificent. For nearly four months, the vastly outnumbered defenders held the strategically vital Mediterranean island against a massive invading force.
Rather than focusing solely on battlefield action, Poliakoff’s narrative is expected to emphasize the intricate espionage, ideological clashes, and backdoor diplomacy of the era. Poliakoff, a multi-BAFTA and Emmy Award winner celebrated for his atmospheric, character-driven dramas like The Lost Prince, Perfect Strangers, and Summer of Rockets, is known for weaving intimate human relationships into broader historical tapestries, making the complex power struggles of the Renaissance a natural fit for his signature style.
Malta’s Growing Cinematic Footprint
The announcement of The Order underscores Malta’s growing prominence as a premier global filming destination. Under the leadership of Film Commissioner Johann Grech, the island nation has aggressively expanded its infrastructure and financial incentives, including a highly competitive cash rebate system, to attract high-end international television and film productions.
"Securing a project of this scale, guided by a visionary storyteller like Stephen Poliakoff, is a testament to Malta’s world-class facilities, historical authenticity, and our industry’s robust growth," Grech noted during the festival presentation. The production is slated to utilize various historic locations across Malta, providing an authentic backdrop of limestone fortifications and ancient harbors that witnessed the actual events of 1565.
Production Outlook
The Order represents a significant shift in scale for Poliakoff, whose television work has traditionally favored more intimate, British 20th-century settings. By expanding his scope to an epic, international canvas, the series is poised to capture both historical drama enthusiasts and fans of sophisticated political thrillers. Further details regarding casting, international co-production partners, and the global broadcast timeline are expected to be announced in the coming months as pre-production gets underway.