Matt Shakman to Direct Paramount+ Legal Thriller 'Discretion'

Paramount+ has bolstered its upcoming legal thriller, *Discretion*, by securing Matt Shakman to direct the series' first four episodes. Shakman, an Emmy-nominated director known for his work on *WandaVision* and the upcoming *Fantastic Four: First Steps*, will also serve as an executive producer on the project. This addition brings a seasoned creative hand to the A24-produced drama, which features a high-profile cast led by Nicole Kidman and Elle Fanning.

*Discretion* follows a young law associate, played by Fanning, who uncovers a dangerous web of non-disclosure agreements at a prestigious Dallas firm, eventually pitting her against a powerful partner portrayed by Kidman. The series, based on a short story by Chandler Baker, represents a significant strategic move for Paramount+; it was the first major series greenlit by Cindy Holland following the company's acquisition by Skydance. The project’s development was highly competitive, resulting in a straight-to-series order after a intense bidding war.

For Paramount+, the involvement of Shakman—who previously collaborated with Fanning on the critically acclaimed series *The Great*—signals an intent to maintain high production standards as the platform navigates a shifting streaming landscape. By pairing a director with a proven track record in both prestige television and major franchise filmmaking with A-list talent, the studio is clearly positioning *Discretion* as a flagship title. As streaming services increasingly prioritize high-concept, star-driven dramas to retain subscribers, the success of this collaboration will be a key indicator of the platform's ability to compete in the premium content market.