Paramount+ Reveals Star-Studded Cast for Series Laird
The upcoming drama features Kenneth Branagh and Peter Sarsgaard in a modern tale of conflict in the Scottish Highlands.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Television
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Paramount+ has officially announced the ensemble cast for its new original series Laird. The show explores a battle over ancestral property between a Scottish landowner and an American billionaire.
Why it matters
The project represents a high-profile expansion of the Paramount+ drama slate. By blending a classic premise of landed heritage with international tension, the production aims to leverage significant star power.
Director Joe Wright, who helmed the 2005 Pride and Prejudice adaptation, leads the pilot episode. The cast features Jennifer Ehle, who starred in the 1995 Pride and Prejudice, alongside Peter Mullan, Phia Saban, Ruaridh Mollica, Holliday Grainger, Douglas Hodge, and Corey Mylchreest.
The players
Kenneth Branagh
He is an acclaimed actor and filmmaker known for his extensive work in theater and film, including numerous Shakespearean adaptations.
Joe Wright
He is a prominent British director celebrated for his visually distinct period dramas and complex narrative filmmaking style.
Jennifer Ehle
She is an award-winning actress recognized for her versatile performances across television, film, and the stage.
Peter Sarsgaard
He is a character actor known for his nuanced performances in both independent cinema and major studio projects.
Paramount+
It is a global subscription video-on-demand service that provides original content, movies, and television programming.
The details
Created by Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth, and Georgia Lee, the series is currently filming across Scotland and London. Paramount Television Studios and 101 Studios are producing the project, which draws on a wide roster of executive producers.
Timeline
October 15, 2026: Announcement of the full series cast.
Ongoing: Production is currently filming in Scotland and London.
Industry Dynamics
This series fits into the ongoing streaming wars where platforms increasingly invest in high-production-value regional dramas to attract international subscribers. By utilizing well-known film talent for television projects, studios aim to differentiate their catalogs amidst intense competition for viewer attention.
Viewers will be able to watch the new series exclusively through the Paramount+ platform upon its release. The international filming locations and ensemble cast indicate a strategy aimed at appealing to a global audience across all subscription territories.
The takeaway
The casting of established film actors in a prestige television project highlights the continued convergence of cinematic and episodic storytelling. Fans of period dramas and character-driven thrillers can anticipate a high-stakes narrative set against the landscape of the Scottish Highlands.
Further reading
For more updates on industry developments, check the latest Television news.
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