Paramount+ has ordered "Laird," a Scottish Highland drama starring Kenneth Branagh in his first major streaming lead role. The project reunites the streamer with writer Jez Butterworth and producer 101 Studios, the creative team behind Paramount+ originals "The Agency" and "MobLand."
Branagh, fresh off acclaimed turns in "Oppenheimer" and "Mayday," takes on an executive producer credit alongside his starring role. The drama marks a significant move for the Oscar-winning actor into the prestige streaming space, where he'll anchor what shapes up as a character-driven period piece centered on Scottish highlands life.
Butterworth created "Laird" with his brother John-Henry Butterworth, who previously collaborated with him on "The Agency" and contributed to "Partner Track." The sibling writing duo brings deep experience crafting layered character studies and complex narrative worlds for premium platforms.
This greenlight reflects Paramount+'s confidence in Butterworth's track record. "The Agency," his espionage thriller starring Michael Fassbender, established him as a major creative force for the streamer. "MobLand," a crime drama that premiered in 2023, further solidified the partnership. Now "Laird" positions 101 Studios and Butterworth as a reliable production team capable of attracting A-list talent like Branagh.
For Branagh, "Laird" represents a strategic pivot. While he's maintained a steady presence in prestige cinema and limited series, taking the lead in a streamer's flagship drama signals his willingness to embrace serialized storytelling on the scale that drives subscriber engagement. His casting likely signals the show's ambitions toward awards recognition and international appeal, particularly in the UK market where Highland dramas command strong viewership.
Details about plot, supporting cast, and premiere