Paramount greenlights Laird series starring Kenneth Branagh

Paramount has greenlit a new original drama series titled "Laird," starring and executive produced by the award-winning actor and filmmaker Kenneth Branagh. The announcement was made on July 22, 2026. The series, an epic family saga set in the modern Scottish Highlands, will follow the Laird of Castle Drummoch, played by Branagh, as he fights to protect his ancestral lands from a shadowy American billionaire intent on buying up the surrounding glens.

The show was created by the writing team of Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth, and Georgia Lee. Joe Wright, the acclaimed director of films such as "Pride & Prejudice" and "Atonement," is attached to direct the pilot episode. The series is described as exploring family feuds, buried secrets, and star-crossed romances against the backdrop of a contemporary battle against oligarchical land grabbing.

In a statement, Jane Wiseman, Head of Originals for Paramount, said the series resonates with universal themes. "At its heart, 'Laird' is about one man standing his ground against unchecked wealth and power," Wiseman said. "There's something universally resonant about watching someone fight to protect what matters most, and with...