Paramount Plus has officially greenlit Laird, a Scottish Highlands drama described as an “epic family saga in which a proud Scot defies a shadowy American billionaire hellbent on buying up the glens”. The series is set to feature “family feuds, buried secrets and star-crossed romances”.
Kenneth Branagh to lead the cast
Oscar-winning star Kenneth Branagh will play the Laird of Castle Drummoch, a character “determined to protect his ancestral lands from oligarchical land grabbing”. Branagh is known for films such as Belfast, Dunkirk, Agatha Christie’s Hercules Poirot and Oppenheimer.
Earlier this month, rumours circulated that Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan was behind Laird as another prequel, following his successful series 1883 and 1923. However, no new Yellowstone prequel from Sheridan has been announced beyond 1944, which was previously confirmed by Paramount Plus. Laird appears to be a separate project from the Yellowstone universe.
Creative team behind the series
Laird is created by Jez Butterworth (Mobland), John-Henry Butterworth (Nine Perfect Strangers) and Georgia Lee (The 100). Branagh will also serve as an executive producer, and Joe Wright, director of Darkest Hour, will direct the pilot.
Jane Wiseman, head of originals for Paramount Plus, said: “At its heart, Laird is about one man standing his ground against unchecked wealth and power. 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.”
Matt Thunell, president at Paramount Television Studios, added: “Jez, John-Henry, and Georgia have imagined a gripping drama that explores how far one family will go to protect their land and legacy. 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+.”
Laird will air on Paramount Plus.
