Paramount+ has greenlighted a third series from Jez Butterworth and 101 Studios, the team behind the streamer’s MobLand and The Agency. Titled The Lair, it stars Kenneth Branagh (Mayday, Oppenheimer) who also executive produces.
The Laird was created by Jez Butterworth and his brother, fellow writer John-Henry Butterworth, who co-created together The Agency, as well as Partner Track developer Georgia Lee. Joe Wright, who helmed the first two episodes of The Agency, is attached to direct the pilot.
Set in the modern Scottish Highlands, Laird is an epic family saga in which a proud Scot defies a shadowy American billionaire hellbent on buying up the glens. 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.
“At its heart, Laird is about one man standing his ground against unchecked wealth and power,” said Jane Wiseman, Head of Originals for Paramount+. “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”
Laird is produced by Paramount Television Studios and 101 Studios. Branagh executive produces alongside David C. Glasser, Jez Butterworth & John-Henry Butterworth, Wright, Ron Burkle, David Hutkin, Bob Yari, Charles Finch, and Keith Cox.
“Jez, John-Henry, and Georgia have imagined a gripping drama that explores how far one family will go to protect their land and legacy,” said Matt Thunell, President, Paramount Television Studios. “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+.”
The project falls under MobLand showrunner Butterworth’s overall deal at Paramount, which is up at the end of the year. He will then segue to a five-year overall deal with Universal Entertainment across TV, streaming and film. 101 Studios made the same move at the start of 2027. Laird had been put in development prior to that.
“Working with Jez and John Henry has been such an incredible experience these last few years. I couldn’t be more thrilled to take another epic journey with them,” said Glasser, CEO of 101 Studios.
Over the past nine months, Paramount+ has greenlighted such series as Fear Not starring Anne Hathaway, 9/12 starring Jeremy Strong, and Discretion starring Nicole Kidman and Elle Fanning, as well as handing renewals to Sheridan/101 Studios’ Dutton Ranch and The Madison.
Branagh is repped by WME, Berwick & Kovacik and Gochman Law Group.
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