Netflix orders Marco Polo drama series

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Netflix says its as-yet-untitled drama series about the epic adventures of Marco Polo will begin shooting soon in Malaysia and will feature a global cast.

"[Series creator] John Fusco and his team have created a timeless tale of power, adventure, betrayal and lust that combines deft storytelling and cinematic ambition," Ted Sarandos, Netflix Chief Content Officer, said in a statement Tuesday. "It is a fantastic addition to our slate of original series, both because of its quality and because it is the kind of gripping action-adventure that Netflix members love."

"With the glowing success of series like 'House of Cards' and 'Orange is the New Black,' it's clear that Netflix is breaking tremendous ground in the realm of streaming original content. We could not be more excited to partner with them on this project, along with the creative tour de force of John Fusco and his talented team," said The Weinstein Co. Co-chairman Harvey Weinstein.

Behind the cameras of the Weinstein Co. production will be directors Joachim Ronning and Espen Sandberg, whose credits include "Kon-Tiki" and "Max Manus: Man of War," as well as executive producer and director Dan Minahan, who has worked on "Game of Thrones" and "True Blood."

No casting has been announced yet.