Paramount+ orders Scottish saga from Jez Butterworth starring Kenneth Branagh

Paramount+ has commissioned a new drama set in the modern Scottish Highlands starring Kenneth Branagh and co-created by Mobland creator Jez Butterworth.

Kenneth Branagh

Johan Persson

The project, titled Laird, is produced by Paramount Television Studios and 101 Studios.

It is an epic family saga about a proud Scot who defies a shadowy American billionaire hellbent on buying up the glens. Amidst family feuds, buried secrets and star-crossed romances, the Laird of Castle Drummoch (Branagh) remains determined to protect his ancestral lands from oligarchical land grabbing.

Butterworth co-created the series alongside John-Henry Butterworth (Nine Perfect Strangers, The Agency) and Georgia Lee (The 100, Partner Track).

It marks the latest high-profile drama green light from the direct-to-consumer team led by Cindy Holland. Other new titles commissioned since Holland took the reins last year include Fear Not starring Anne Hathaway, 9/12 starring Jeremy Strong and Discretion starring Nicole Kidman and Elle Fanning.

Branagh will executive produce alongside David C Glasser, Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth, Joe Wright, Ron Burkle, David Hutkin, Bob Yari, Charles Finch and Keith Cox.