Paramount+ has ordered "Laird," a Scottish Highland drama starring Kenneth Branagh, from writer-producer Jez Butterworth and 101 Studios. Branagh, fresh off roles in "Mayday" and "Oppenheimer," will also executive produce the series alongside Butterworth and his brother John-Henry Butterworth.
The Butterworth brothers, who previously collaborated on Paramount+'s "The Agency" and created "Partner Track" for Netflix, developed "Laird" as their third major streaming project with 101 Studios. The pairing reunites them with the production company behind "MobLand," another Paramount+ series.
Branagh's involvement signals prestige ambitions for the project. The actor-director has built a reputation for bringing Shakespearean weight to complex characters, and his recent film work demonstrates continued momentum in high-profile productions. His dual role as star and executive producer grants him creative oversight, a position he has increasingly occupied across recent projects.
Jez Butterworth brings formidable dramatic credentials to the helm. Beyond television, he established himself as a celebrated playwright and screenwriter, with work spanning stage and film. His brother John-Henry has emerged as a reliable collaborator, particularly in the serialized space where both brothers have found recent success.
The Scottish setting and title suggest a story rooted in territorial power, family legacy, and the rugged landscape of the Highlands. Butterworth's sensibility leans toward character-driven drama with textured dialogue, qualities likely to shape "Laird" into something beyond typical prestige television fare.
For Paramount+, the order represents continued investment in high-end drama anchored by recognizable talent. Branagh's name carries weight with both critics and viewers, a asset for a streamer competing for subscribers in an increasingly crowded marketplace.
Production details and premiere timing remain unannounced.