Jude Law to play Vladimir Putin in Olivier Assayas’s ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’

Joining Law in the cast are Paul Dano as lead character Vadim Baranov, along with Alicia Vikander, Zach Galifianakis, and Tom Sturridge

Actor Jude Law has been cast as Russian President Vladimir Putin in Olivier Assayas’s upcoming film, The Wizard of the Kremlin. The announcement has stirred curiosity across the film industry, given the challenge of the role and the project’s political undertones.

Based on Giuliano da Empoli’s bestselling novel, the film is set to explore the inner workings of Russian politics, with Law portraying Putin “at the beginning of his governing career.” In an interview with Deadline, the actor described the role as daunting, saying, “At the moment, it looks like an Everest to climb. I’m in the foothills looking up thinking, ‘Oh Christ, what have I said?’”

Joining Law in the cast are Paul Dano as lead character Vadim Baranov, along with Alicia Vikander, Zach Galifianakis, and Tom Sturridge. Assayas, a celebrated French filmmaker, co-wrote the screenplay with Emmanuel Carrère, ensuring the adaptation captures the novel’s depth and contemporary relevance.

Law’s casting comes amidst heightened global interest in Russia’s political landscape, particularly following the publication of The Wizard of the Kremlin in April 2022, just months after the Russian-Ukraine war began. The book became a bestseller for its timely insights into power and influence. While the production schedule and release date remain under wraps, the film is expected to make waves on the festival and awards circuit upon completion.

Published - January 12, 2025 11:19 am IST