Jude Law Transforms into Vladimir Putin in First Look at Upcoming Biopic

A new political thriller, The Wizard of the Kremlin (French: Le Mage du Kremlin), is set to explore the rise of Vladimir Putin during the chaotic years following the Soviet Union’s collapse.

The film, directed by Olivier Assayas and co-written with Emmanuel Carrère, is based on Giuliano da Empoli’s 2022 novel of the same name. The first look at the movie, including Jude Law as Putin, has just been revealed, giving audiences a glimpse of the intense political drama ahead.

The story follows Vadim Baranov, a fictional character played by Paul Dano, who starts out as a young artist in the 1990s Soviet Union and eventually becomes a powerful spin doctor in the Russian government.

The plot tracks Baranov’s influence as Putin rises to power in the early Russian Federation. According to Assayas, the film explores “how ambition, loyalty, and manipulation shape the paths of those in power.”

The cast also includes Alicia Vikander as Ksenia, Tom Sturridge, and Jeffrey Wright. Jude Law’s portrayal of Putin is a key highlight, showing the early stages of the leader’s ascent. The production team filmed the movie in Riga, Latvia, in March 2025, and the project is produced by Curiosa Films and Gaumont.

The Wizard of the Kremlin is set to premiere in the main competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on August 31, 2025. This marks one of the first major international previews of the film, and the first look images have sparked significant attention online.

The film’s lead, Paul Dano, described his character as “someone caught between art and power, trying to survive in a world that’s constantly shifting.” Meanwhile, Assayas emphasized that the film is a mix of historical drama and political thriller, aiming to show the human side of high-stakes political games.

This new project marks another high-profile collaboration for Jude Law, who continues to take on roles portraying complex historical figures. With its Venice premiere approaching, anticipation is growing for how the movie will depict this critical period in Russian history.

From the first look released, it’s clear the film will be visually striking and intense, giving viewers a detailed glimpse into the early power dynamics of Putin’s Russia.

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