Paramount+ has greenlit “Laird,” a new drama series set in the modern Scottish Highlands starring Kenneth Branagh. Created by Jez and John-Henry Butterworth with Georgia Lee, the project follows a local estate owner defending his land from an American billionaire. Joe Wright is attached to direct the pilot episode.
The network has officially greenlit Laird, an epic drama that centers on the titular figure of Castle Drummoch. For Kenneth Branagh, who will star in and executive produce the series, the role marks a return to a major television project, following a career defined by his work in film, including his 2022 Oscar-winning turn for Belfast.
The Creative Team Behind the Glens
The project reunites a high-profile creative team with deep ties to the streamer. Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth, the brothers behind Paramount+ series The Agency, created the show alongside Georgia Lee, known for her work on The 100 and Partner Track. The production is a collaborative effort between Paramount Television Studios and 101 Studios.
Directing duties for the pilot have been handed to Joe Wright, whose filmography includes Pride & Prejudice, Atonement, and Darkest Hour.
“Jez, John-Henry, and Georgia have imagined a gripping drama that explores how far one family will go to protect their land and legacy. With Kenneth Branagh starring and Joe Wright directing, this is a singular creative team, and we are thrilled to once again partner with 101 Studios to bring this series to Paramount+.”
Matt Thunell, President, Paramount Television Studios
Plot Dynamics: Land, Legacy, and Oligarchy
At its core, Laird explores the tension between ancestral tradition and modern wealth. The premise features the Laird of Castle Drummoch, a proud Scot, standing firm against a shadowy American billionaire
intent on acquiring the surrounding glens. The narrative is expected to weave together family feuds, buried secrets, and star-crossed romance, framed within the rugged environment of the modern Scottish Highlands.
The thematic focus on class and power was underscored by Jane Wiseman, Head of Originals for Paramount+. As Wiseman noted in a statement, the series aims to strike a universal chord. At its heart, Laird is about one man standing his ground against unchecked wealth and power,
she said, adding that the show explores the resonant struggle of protecting what matters most.
Paramount+ and the 101 Studios Pipeline
Laird arrives as part of a broader push by Paramount+ to expand its roster of prestige dramas. Over the last nine months, the platform has greenlit several high-profile projects, including Fear Not starring Anne Hathaway, 9/12 featuring Jeremy Strong, and Discretion with Nicole Kidman and Elle Fanning. These additions join established heavy hitters like Dutton Ranch and The Madison, which have already secured renewals.
The production also highlights the ongoing relationship between 101 Studios and the streamer. David C. Glasser, CEO of 101 Studios, expressed enthusiasm for the continued collaboration. I couldn’t be more thrilled to take another epic journey with them.
While the project is moving forward, industry observers have noted the timing of the Butterworths’ overall deal. Jez Butterworth’s current agreement with Paramount is scheduled to conclude at the end of this year, after which he will transition to a five-year overall deal with Universal Entertainment. 101 Studios finalized a similar move earlier in 2027, though sources confirm that Laird was already in development before those shifts took place.
Kenneth Branagh is represented by WME, Berwick & Kovacik, and Gochman Law Group.
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