Paramount+ has announced a new drama series set in the modern Scottish Highlands, which is being described as an “epic family saga” and will star Kenneth Branagh.
The drama, titled Laird, will also be executive produced by Branagh, and has been created by Jez Butterworth (MobLand), John-Henry Butterworth (The Agency) and Georgia Lee (The 100).
The synopsis for the series says that it is about a proud Scot who “defies a shadowy American billionaire hellbent on buying up the glens”.
The synopsis continues: “Amidst family feuds, buried secrets and star-crossed romances, the Laird of Castle Drummoch (Branagh) remains determined to protect his ancestral lands from oligarchical land grabbing.”
Joe Wright, the filmmaker behind movies including Pride & Prejudice, Atonement, Darkest Hour and Cyrano, is attached to direct the pilot and is an executive producer.
It will be produced by Paramount Television Studios and 101 Studios, with the latter company having also been behind Yellowstone, Landman, The Agency, Lioness and a number of other Paramount+ shows.
Jane Wiseman, head of originals for Paramount+ said in a statement: “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.”
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Meanwhile, Matt Thunell, president, 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+.”
Branagh has recently been seen in films including The Devil Wears Prada 2 and Oppenheimer, as well as a number of Hercule Poirot films which he has also directed.
Laird will be released on Paramount+. You can sign up to Paramount+ for a seven-day free trial.
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