Even though Paramount+ is one of the newer streamers in a crowded field of entertainment providers, it’s found a pretty successful strategy for developing new titles. Namely, when a creator delivers a movie or TV show that’s a hit, the streamer makes itself the go-to source for that creator’s other stories. Take, for example, the tremendous success Taylor Sheridan has brought to the platform, including the Yellowstone franchise and its various spin-offs, Lawmen: Bass Reeves, Tulsa King, Special Ops: Lioness, and Landman, with more on the way.
The streamer’s hits aren’t limited to shows created by Sheridan, however, as confirmed by the Tom Hardy and Helen Mirren-starring crime drama MobLand. In recent months, audiences have been waiting with bated breath for updates about the next season, as various reports claimed that Hardy had troublesome behavior on set that was leading towards his dismissal. Luckily, news broke that all of the issues were seemingly squashed so that Hardy could return for Season 3.
Continuing the good news for fans of the type of stories we’ve been getting in MobLand is that showrunner Jez Butterworth has created the all-new series for Paramount+ Laird, which will star and be executive produced by Kenneth Branagh. Paramount+ describes the series, “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.”
Co-creators alongside Butterworth are John-Henry Butterworth (Nine Perfect Strangers, The Agency) and Georgia Lee (The 100, Partner Track). Darkest Hour and Hanna director Joe Wright is set to direct the pilot.
Jane Wiseman, Head of Originals for Paramount+, shared 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.”
As evidenced by the show’s description, this new series doesn’t sound like it will scratch quite the same itch as MobLand, though with the pedigree of talent behind the series, there’s still a lot to be excited for. Additionally, with Season 2 of MobLand set to premiere this fall and with Season 3 not having a release date, knowing that Paramount+ will be giving us another compelling series will help make the wait for a Season 3 a bit easier.
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+.”
Laird doesn’t currently have a release date.
