Paramount+ Unveils “Laird,” a Scottish Highland Drama Starring Kenneth Branagh

Paramount+ has ordered the drama series “Laird,” casting Kenneth Branagh as the titular Laird of Castle Drummoch. The show, created by brothers Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth with co-creator Georgia Lee, follows a proud Scot who battles a shadowy American billionaire seeking to acquire the glens of his ancestral estate. Executive producers include the Butterworths, Branagh, David Glasser, Joe Wright, Ron Burkle, David Hutkin, Bob Yari, Charles Finch, and Keith Cox. Joe Wright is attached to direct the pilot, and the series is being produced by Paramount Television Studios in partnership with 101 Studios.

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The Butterworth brothers previously co-created Paramount+ series “The Agency” and “Mobland,” establishing a working relationship with the streamer. Branagh, a four-time Emmy nominee and Oscar-winning screenwriter for *Belfast* (2022), is best known for roles in *Dunkirk*, *Tenet*, and *Oppenheimer*. His involvement adds star power to a project that blends family saga with a commentary on land-ownership power dynamics.

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• Kenneth Branagh – actor-producer, leads as the Laird of Castle Drummoch.

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• Jez Butterworth – co-creator, executive producer, also showrunner of *The Agency*.

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• John-Henry Butterworth – co-creator, executive producer.

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• Georgia Lee – co-creator, executive producer.

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• Joe Wright – director of the pilot, executive producer.

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• David Glasser – CEO of 101 Studios, executive producer.

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• Matt Thunell – President, Paramount Television Studios, executive producer.

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• Jane Wiseman – head of Originals for Paramount+, executive producer.

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Jane Wiseman described the series as a story of a single individual confronting unchecked wealth and power, emphasizing its universal resonance. Matt Thunell highlighted the Butterworths’ vision of a family defending its land and legacy, noting the “singular creative team” behind the project. David Glasser expressed enthusiasm for continuing his partnership with the Butterworths and Paramount+, calling the collaboration an “incredible experience” and an “epic journey.”

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• “At its heart, Laird is about one man standing his ground against unchecked wealth and power,” — Jane Wiseman, head of Originals for Paramount+

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• “Jez, John-Henry, and Georgia have imagined a gripping drama that explores how far one family will go to protect their land and legacy,” — Matt Thunell, President, Paramount Television Studios

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• “Working with Jez and John Henry has been such an incredible experience these last few years. I couldn’t be more thrilled to take another epic journey with them,” — David Glasser, CEO of 101 Studios

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