Jacob Tierney, the creative force behind the hit Canadian series Heated Rivalry, is expanding his storytelling repertoire with a new project for Netflix. The streaming giant has given a straight-to-series order to Alexander, a historical drama centered on the formative years of Alexander the Great and his complex relationship with his tutor, Aristotle. This marks a significant shift in genre for Tierney, known for his contemporary romance, as he delves into the world of ancient Macedonia.
The series will be based on Annabel Lyon’s 2009 novel, The Golden Mean, which explores the dynamic between the young prince and the renowned philosopher during a period of political upheaval. As the Athenian empire falters, Aristotle arrives in Macedonia to guide Alexander, setting in motion a friendship that will profoundly shape an empire and alter the course of history. The story promises to weave together palace intrigue, forbidden love, brutal warfare, and ruthless ambition, offering a fresh perspective on a well-known historical figure.
From Contemporary Romance to Ancient History
Tierney’s success with Heated Rivalry, adapted from Rachel Reid’s novels, demonstrated his ability to captivate audiences with compelling characters and emotionally resonant narratives. He not only created the series but similarly wrote and directed all six episodes of the first season. He will reprise those roles for Alexander, writing and directing the entire series. This commitment underscores Tierney’s vision for the project and his dedication to bringing Lyon’s novel to life. Brendan Brady, Tierney’s executive producer on Heated Rivalry, will also join him on Alexander, further solidifying the creative partnership.
The production will also benefit from the involvement of Aggregate Films, the production company led by Jason Bateman and Michael Costigan, who will serve as executive producers. Bateman’s track record of successful television projects adds further weight to the series’ potential. Jinny Howe, Netflix Head of U.S. And Canada Scripted Series, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Jacob Tierney is one of the most exciting, in-demand creative voices working today, and we are thrilled to work with him on Alexander.” Deadline reports Howe was “immediately captivated by his vision for adapting Annabel Lyon’s acclaimed novel.”
A New Take on a Classic Story
Alexander isn’t the first adaptation to explore the life of Alexander the Great, but it aims to offer a unique perspective by focusing on his youth and the pivotal influence of his relationship with Aristotle. The series promises a “raw, modern energy” even as remaining true to the historical context, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Tierney himself expressed his long-held passion for the source material, stating, “I fell in love with Annabel Lyon’s book The Golden Mean years ago and have been dreaming of telling this story ever since.”
The series is expected to delve into the complexities of their mentorship, exploring the power dynamics and personal sacrifices inherent in shaping a future ruler. The backdrop of a crumbling Athenian empire adds a layer of political tension, while the promise of “forbidden love” suggests a more intimate and nuanced portrayal of Alexander’s life.
Production details, including casting and a release date, have not yet been announced. But, with Tierney at the helm and a strong production team in place, Alexander is poised to turn into a significant addition to Netflix’s growing slate of historical dramas. The project represents a bold move for Tierney, demonstrating his versatility as a storyteller and his willingness to tackle ambitious new projects.
As Netflix continues to invest in high-quality scripted series, Alexander signals a commitment to both international talent and compelling historical narratives. The series is expected to appeal to fans of both Heated Rivalry and historical dramas, offering a fresh and engaging take on a legendary figure.
What comes next for Tierney and the team behind Alexander will be closely watched as they begin to bring this ancient world to life for a modern audience. Stay tuned for further updates on casting, production, and the eventual release date.
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