Calling all Holliday Grainger fans! The Strike star has been cast in the upcoming drama Laird from the production team behind Yellowstone – and it sounds seriously good.
Described as an "epic family saga," the series is set in the modern Scottish Highlands and follows a proud Scot who defies the shadowy American billionaire threatening his ancestral land.
© Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/WireImaHolliday joins Oscar winner Kenneth Branagh (Belfast, Oppenheimer) and Peter Sarsgaard (Presumed Innocent, The Bride!) in the series, which is now in production.
Not only is the cast list seriously epic, but the creative team is equally impressive. The show is created by Jez Butterworth (MobLand, The Agency), John-Henry Butterworth (Nine Perfect Strangers, The Agency) and Georgia Lee (Destination, Mudtown), while Joe Wright, who directed 2005's Pride & Prejudice and 2007's Atonement, is set to direct the pilot.
© Getty ImagesKeep reading to find out all we know about the series.
What is Laird about?
The series follows Laird of Castle Drummoch, a proud Scot who defies a shadowy American billionaire (Sarsgaard) hellbent on buying up the glens.
A synopsis continues: "Amidst family feuds, buried secrets and star-crossed romances, he remains determined to protect his ancestral lands from oligarchical land grabbing."
© Getty ImagesTeasing the series, Jane Wiseman, head of Originals for Paramount+, told Variety: "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."
Who stars in Laird?
Kenneth Branagh and Peter Sarsgaard lead the cast.
They're joined by a seriously impressive line-up of stars, including Jennifer Ehle (Contagion, Pride and Prejudice), Peter Mullan (I Swear, Ozark), Phia Saban (House of the Dragon), Ruaridh Mollica (Vision Quest), Holliday Grainger (Strike), Douglas Hodge (Legends), and Corey Mylchreest (Queen Charlotte).
© Getty ImagesBranagh also executive produces alongside David C. Glasser, Jez Butterworth & John-Henry Butterworth, Wright, Ron Burkle, David Hutkin, Bob Yari, Charles Finch, and Keith Cox. The series is produced by Paramount Television Studios and 101 Studios.
A release date has yet to be announced.
