Kenneth Branagh is heading to the Scottish Highlands for Laird, a new Paramount+ drama about family, power and the fight to protect ancestral land. Branagh will star as the Laird of Castle Drummoch, a proud Scot who refuses to stand aside when a secretive American billionaire sets his sights on buying up the surrounding glens. As the battle over the estate grows, the series will also follow family feuds, buried secrets and complicated romances within the world of Castle Drummoch.
The series was created by Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth and Georgia Lee. Jez and John-Henry previously worked together on The Agency, while Jez is also the showrunner behind Paramount+ drama MobLand. Branagh will executive produce alongside the creative team and producers from 101 Studios.
Joe Wright, whose films include Pride & Prejudice, Atonement and Darkest Hour, is attached to direct the pilot. Paramount Television Studios and 101 Studios will produce the series, which is set to premiere globally and exclusively on Paramount+.
Jane Wiseman, Head of Originals for Paramount+, said the drama is about “one man standing his ground against unchecked wealth and power”, adding that there is something universally relatable about watching someone fight to protect what matters most. Paramount Television Studios president Matt Thunell said the series will explore how far one family will go to defend its land and legacy, while 101 Studios CEO David Glasser described it as another “epic journey” with Jez and John-Henry Butterworth.
For CultureCues, we always love hearing about a new Scottish drama, especially one set right in the Highlands. Laird sounds completely up our street, with family feuds, a fight over the glens and Kenneth Branagh at the centre of it all. Safe to say, we’ll be tuning in.
A release date for Laird has not yet been announced.
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