Paramount+ is getting ready to take viewers to the Scottish Highlands.
The streaming service has given the go-ahead for a new series called *Laird*, a family drama starring and executive produced by Kenneth Branagh.
This news came from *The Hollywood Reporter*.The show will follow a local landowner, the Laird of Castle Drummoch (played by Branagh), who resists the plans of an American billionaire trying to buy up large parts of the glens.
Interestingly, the idea for the show sounds a lot like *Yellowstone*, but set in Scotland.
The series was created by Jez Butterworth, who also worked on *MobLand* and *The Agency*.
He worked with his brother, John-Henry Butterworth, who wrote *Edge of Tomorrow*, and Georgia Lee, who also produced *The 100*.The show is being made by Paramount Television Studios and 101 Studios.
Jane Wiseman, head of originals at 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.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."
Branagh is executive producing along with David Glasser, Jez and John-Henry Butterworth, Ron Burkle, David Hutkin, Bob Yari, Charles Finch, and Keith Cox.
Joe Wright, the director of *Pride & Prejudice*, *Atonement*, and *Darkest Hour*, will direct the pilot episode.
Matt Thunell, president of Paramount Television Studios, said in a statement, "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+."
This is the latest big project approved by the new management team at Paramount+.
In the past year, the streamer has also ordered the legal drama *Discretion* with Nicole Kidman and Elle Fanning, the true crime adaptation *Fear Not* with Anne Hathaway, and the 9/11 first responders drama *9/12* with Jeremy Strong.
Branagh is represented by WME, Berwick & Kovacik, and Gochman Law Group.
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