Stephen Poliakoff’s “The Order” to Bring the Great Siege of Malta to International Television

Stephen Poliakoff, a multi-BAFTA and Emmy-winning writer, will return to television with “The Order,” an eight-part international political thriller based on Peter Portelli’s novel. Set in the months before and during the 1565 Great Siege of Malta, the series was announced by Malta Film Commissioner Johann Grech at the Mediterrane Film Festival’s Golden Bee Awards. Production is slated for 2027, with filming in Malta. Little Island Productions and Hopefield co-produce; executive producers are Helen Flint (Little Island), Neil Chordia (Hopefield), Nick Portelli and Peter Portelli.

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The Great Siege of Malta in 1565 was a consequential conflict.

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• Stephen Poliakoff – writer (BAFTA, Emmy winner)

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• Peter Portelli – novelist, executive producer

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• Johann Grech – Malta Film Commissioner

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• Helen Flint – CEO, Little Island Productions, executive producer

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• Neil Chordia – Hopefield executive producer

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• Nick Portelli – Hopefield executive producer

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• Episodes: eight.

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• Location: Malta, using its geography and architecture.

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• Development: active; casting, directing, financing and distribution remain pending.

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Poliakoff described the series as a collision of politics, faith, ambition and survival, emphasizing human choices in a crisis. Grech said the project demonstrates Malta’s growing capacity to host ambitious, internationally resonant drama. Flint noted Poliakoff’s skill in turning pivotal historical moments into character-driven narratives, highlighting the series’ scale and focus on power’s human consequences. Chordia stressed the relevance of the historical backdrop, political intrigue, and Malta’s central role in visualizing the story.

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• “‘The Order’ is the extraordinary collision of politics, faith, ambition and survival at a moment when the fate of nations hung in the balance,” — Stephen Poliakoff, Writer

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• “It’s a story of people navigating immense pressures and impossible choices, set against one of the most dramatic periods in history.” — Stephen Poliakoff, Writer

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• “’The Order’ represents exactly the kind of ambitious, internationally resonant television drama that Malta is increasingly attracting and supporting,” — Johann Grech, Malta Film Commissioner

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• “‘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.” — Helen Flint, CEO, Little Island Productions

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Sources do not disclose casting, directing, financing or distribution details, and give no timeline beyond the 2027 start.

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Future announcements will reveal casting, directing, financing and international distribution as the series moves toward production.

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