It is inspired by one of the most interesting historical figures and an international bestseller

The creators of popular series Heated Rivalry and Ozark are joining forces for their next venture, a ‘ruthless’ period drama for Netflix.

Canadian actor Jacob Tierney, now renowned as the creator and showrunner of the hockey romance series, is collaborating with fellow actor turned director Jason Bateman.

Bateman is recognised for his roles in Arrested Development and Horrible Bosses.

He has also starred in and directed episodes of crime thrillers Ozark and Black Rabbit for Netflix.

Bateman will take on the role of executive producer for the historical drama, which draws inspiration from an international bestseller, reports the Mirror.

Jason Bateman will serve as executive producer (Image: Netflix)
According to Netflix’s announcement of the series order, the show will be titled Alexander. The statement further revealed: “Based on Annabel Lyon’s novel The Golden Mean, the drama begins as the Athenian empire is crumbling and the world ‘s greatest mind, Aristotle, arrives in Macedonia to tutor a volatile young prince, Alexander. Amid palace intrigue, forbidden love, brutal war and ruthless ambitions, their unlikely friendship shapes an empire and alters the course of history.”

The Golden Mean was Lyon’s first novel, released in 2010. Lauded as a “marvellously reimagined” depiction of Alexander the Great’s youth, one critic praised its “measured, burnished prose, which combines thrilling immediacy with a stately timelessness.”

Jacob Tierney has said of the forthcoming series: “I fell in love with Annabel Lyon’s book The Golden Mean years ago and have been dreaming of telling this story ever since. I couldn’t be more excited to be partnering with Aggregate and Netflix to bring this insanely compelling world to life.”

Heated Rivalry’s new show is coming to Netflix (Image: Sabrina Lantos/HBO Max)

Jinny Howe, head of US and Canada scripted series at Netflix, added: “Jacob Tierney is one of the most exciting, in-demand creative voices working today, and we are thrilled to work with him on Alexander.

“We were immediately captivated by his vision for adapting Annabel Lyon’s acclaimed novel. This series reimagines the classic power struggle between mentor and protégé with a raw, modern energy that feels both epic and incredibly intimate.

“This high-stakes drama is poised to deeply resonate with our global audience, and we look forward to bringing it to life with the deftly talented Jason Bateman and the Aggregate Films team.”

For those unacquainted with the history, Alexander the Great, son of King Philip II of Macedon and Queen Olympias, was renowned for employing his charisma and merciless military strategies to conquer the largest empire the world had ever witnessed.

He succeeded in seizing Asia Minor, Syria, and Egypt without suffering any defeats and, as ruler of Macedonia, established more than 70 cities whilst extending his dominance across three continents, becoming amongst other titles, King of Persia and Pharaoh of Egypt all prior to his death at 32.

Ozark is streaming on Netflix. Heated Rivalry is streaming on Sky and NOW.