Kenneth Branagh is returning to prestige television with Paramount+, joining the limited drama series "Laird" in the lead role. The actor will star opposite the Scottish Highlands setting as the streamer deepens its investment in high-end drama from established creative talent.
The series comes from Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth, the sibling writing duo behind Paramount+'s espionage thriller "The Agency." Jez Butterworth also serves as co-creator and showrunner on the streamer's crime drama "Mobland." Georgia Lee rounds out the creative team as a co-creator on "Laird."
Branagh's involvement marks another major get for Paramount+ in the prestige drama space. The actor has become increasingly selective with television work, having recently appeared in AMC's limited series "Good Morning, America" and Netflix's "Death on the Nile" adaptation. His casting signals Paramount+'s commitment to attracting A-list talent for smaller-scale, character-driven projects.
The Butterworth brothers have built significant momentum at Paramount+. "The Agency," their spy thriller starring Michael Fassbender, premiered to strong viewer interest and reviews. Their work on "Mobland" continues to establish them as reliable voices for sophisticated, adult-skewing drama. Georgia Lee brings additional pedigree, having worked extensively in prestige television.
The Scottish Highlands setting positions "Laird" as potentially grounded period or contemporary drama, though specific plot details remain under wraps. Paramount+ has increasingly leaned into regional storytelling and intimate ensemble pieces, a departure from the broad-appeal strategy that defined earlier years of the platform.
For Branagh, "Laird" offers another opportunity to work with serious writers on a contained project. The actor's directorial work in film and television has garn