In a competitive landscape, Paramount+ has officially greenlit a straight-to-series order for the legal drama titled “Discretion,” featuring Nicole Kidman and Elle Fanning, as confirmed by Variety.
This new project is adapted from the eponymous short story by Chandler Baker, known for works like “Whisper Network” and “The Husbands,” and will be produced by A24 in collaboration with Paramount. The series has been given an order for eight episodes, with production set to commence in 2026.
The series logline reveals, “Lenny (Fanning), a summer associate at a prestigious law firm in Dallas, stumbles upon a web of NDAs that conceal a troubling reality. As she discovers that she, too, has signed a similar agreement, her findings thrust her into conflict with the firm’s most influential female partner, Sharon (Kidman), upending their mentor-protégé relationship and challenging the notion of who owns secrets—and at what price.”
Baker will serve as the writer and executive producer of the series, while both Kidman and Fanning will executive produce as well as star in the show. Susannah Grant, known for her work on “Erin Brockovich” and “Unbelievable,” is also attached as an executive producer. Kidman will executive produce through Blossom Films alongside Per Saari, and Fanning, her sister Dakota, and Brittany Kahan Ward will executive produce under Lewellen Pictures. Additional executive producers include Jordan Cerf from Linden Entertainment and Joe Hipps from Cut To.
Kidman is represented by CAA, Media Talent Group, and Jackoway Austen Tyerman. Fanning is represented by UTA, TFC Management, and Hansen Jacobsen. Grant is repped by UTA and Lenore Entertainment Group, while Baker is represented by CAA, Writers House, Linden, and Jackoway Austen Tyerman.
This latest announcement underscores a significant strategic move by Cindy Holland, chair of DTC for Paramount, and Jane Wiseman, head of originals for Paramount+, under the leadership of David Ellison. Previously, Holland played a key role in bringing “Stranger Things” creators Matt and Ross Duffer to Paramount with a multi-year film and television deal.
In addition, Ellison secured $7.7 billion to acquire the rights to UFC events for the next seven years, establishing Paramount+ as the exclusive streaming platform for all UFC matches starting in 2026. He has also rapidly progressed in securing the Timothee Chalamet and James Mangold collaboration “High Side,” which centers on Chalamet portraying a former motocross racer drawn into a series of bank heists.
