Paramount+ frames 'Laird' as a universally resonant tale of one man standing his ground against unchecked wealth, starring Kenneth Branagh as the noble protector of tradition.
Insiders point to the heavy-hitting executive producer list, including Branagh, David C. Glasser, and Ron Burkle, alongside production by Paramount Television Studios and 101 Studios, signaling a massive budget and prestige push.
Variety confirmed on October 15, 2026, that production is underway. Joe Wright ('Pride & Prejudice') directs the pilot. Jane Wiseman, Head of Originals for Paramount+, stated: 'We can’t wait for audiences to root for the Laird of Castle Drummoch.'
This isn't just another period piece; it's a cash-flush streaming war brought to the Highlands with A-list firepower.
The ink is barely dry on the contracts for Paramount+’s new Scottish Highland drama, 'Laird,' but the cast list is already looking like an Oscar contender lineup. In an exclusive report from Variety on October 15, 2026, it was confirmed that the series has rounded out its ensemble with a who’s who of British and international talent. Leading the charge is Kenneth Branagh, who stars as the proud Scot and Laird of Castle Drummoch.
He is pitted against Peter Sarsgaard, who plays a 'shadowy American billionaire' hellbent on buying up the glens. It’s a classic David versus Goliath setup, but with more tweed and significantly higher production budgets. The newly announced cast members add serious prestige weight to the project.
Jennifer Ehle, known for her sharp turns in 'Zero Dark Thirty' and 'Contagion,' joins the fray, alongside Peter Mullan, whose gritty performances in 'Ozark' and 'I Swear' have cemented his status as a formidable dramatic presence. Also joining the fold are Phia Saban, fresh off her role in 'House of the Dragon,' and Ruaridh Mollica, who has been making waves in 'Vision Quest.' Holliday Grainger ('Strike'), Douglas Hodge ('Joker'), and Corey Mylchreest ('Queen Charlotte') complete the ensemble, ensuring that every corner of the screen is filled with actors who can hold their own in a shouting match.
Behind the camera, the creative team is equally star-studded. The series is created by Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth, and Georgia Lee. Jez and John-Henry are no strangers to high-stakes narratives, having worked on 'MobLand' and 'The Agency,' while Georgia Lee brings experience from 'Destination, Mudtown.' Most notably, Joe Wright, the director behind 'Pride & Prejudice' and 'Atonement,' is set to direct the pilot.
This choice signals Paramount’s intent to elevate 'Laird' beyond standard streaming fare into the realm of cinematic television, leveraging Wright’s ability to handle epic scope and intimate family drama simultaneously. The narrative promises to delve into family feuds, buried secrets, and star-crossed romances, all centered on the fight to protect ancestral lands from oligarchical land grabbing. Jane Wiseman, head of Originals for Paramount+, emphasized the thematic resonance in a statement, noting, 'There’s something universally resonant about watching someone fight to protect what matters most.' With Branagh executive producing alongside a team that includes David C.
Glasser and Ron Burkle, the stakes are high. Produced by Paramount Television Studios and 101 Studios, 'Laird' will premiere globally and exclusively on Paramount+, positioning itself as a flagship drama for the platform’s future growth.
