Paramount+ has given a series order to 'Laird,' a new drama set in the Scottish Highlands. Academy Award-nominated actor Kenneth Branagh will play the lead role and also serve as an executive producer. The series was created by Jez Butterworth and his brother John-Henry Butterworth, who previously co-created the Paramount+ series 'The Agency.' Georgia Lee is also a co-creator. The project comes from 101 Studios, the production company behind other Paramount+ shows 'MobLand' and 'The Agency.' The story follows the Laird of Castle Drummoch, a Scottish landowner who faces off against an American billionaire trying to buy up the surrounding glens. This marks the third series from Jez Butterworth and 101 Studios for the streaming service. 'Laird' joins a growing slate of original programming for Paramount+ as the platform expands its scripted offerings.