Kenneth Branagh to Star in Paramount+ Drama ‘Laird’ Set in Scottish Highlands

Paramount+ has picked up the drama series “Laird” with Kenneth Branagh attached in the lead role. The series hails from Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth, the co-creators of fellow Paramount+ series “The Agency.” Jez is also the co-creator and showrunner of Paramount+’s “Mobland.” Georgia Lee is also a co-creator on the show. The logline for the show describes it as “an epic family saga in which a proud Scot 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.” Both the Butterworths are executive producers on “Laird,” with Branagh also executive producing in addition to starring. David Glasser, Joe Wright, Ron Burkle, David Hutkin, Bob Yari, Charles Finch, and Keith Cox also executive produce, with Wright also attached to direct the pilot. Paramount Television Studios and 101 Studios produce. Popular on Variety “At its heart, Laird is about one man standing his ground against unchecked wealth and power,” said Jane Wiseman, head of Originals for Paramount+. “There’s something universally resonant about watching someone fight to protect what matters most, and with Kenneth Branagh leading the series, and an equally remarkable creative team, we can’t wait for audiences to root for the Laird of Castle Drummoch” Branagh is primarily known for his roles in films, netting eight Oscar nominations throughout his career. He won the award for best original screenplay in 2022 for “Belfast,” which he also directed. His acting credits include hits like “Dunkirk,” “Tenet,” and “Oppenheimer” (all with Christopher Nolan) as well as films like “My Week with Marilyn” and multiple films as legendary detective Hercule Poirot. He is also a four-time Emmy nominee, winning for outstanding lead actor in a miniseries or movie for “Conspiracy.” He was also nominated for his work in “Shackleton,” “Warm Springs,” and “Wallander.” He is repped by WME, Berwick & Kovacik and Gochman Law Group. “Jez, John-Henry, and Georgia have imagined a gripping drama that explores how far one family will go to protect their land and legacy,” said Matt Thunell, President, Paramount Television Studios. “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+.” Paramount and 101 have a number of projects together at present, including Taylor Sheridan’s expansive slate at the streamer, “The Agency” and “Mobland.” “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,” said Glasser, CEO of 101 Studios.