Jude Law Confirms He’s Playing Vladimir Putin in ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’ Thriller

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In this role, I am Jude Law, who’s all set to step into the shoes of a younger Vladimir Putin in the movie “The Wizard of the Kremlin,” directed by Olivier Assaya. This film is adapted from Giuliano da Empoli’s renowned book with the same title. In the early 1990s, after the fall of the USSR, I find myself as Vadim Baranov, an artist turned TV producer, who takes on the unanticipated role of a spin doctor for Vladimir Putin, as he embarks on his journey to power.

As a movie enthusiast, I stumbled upon “The Wizard of the Kremlin” in April 2022 – quite intriguing, given it was published just two months after the start of the Russian-Ukraine conflict, which undeniably fueled its popularity as a bestseller. Fast forward to the Cannes Film Festival in 2024, when I eagerly learned that a movie adaptation of this gripping tale was in the works!

Law recently chatted with Deadline and discussed his forthcoming role as Vladimir Putin in The Wizard of the Kremlin, revealing that filming has not started yet. He shared thoughts on the responsibility that comes with portraying a contentious figure like Putin, as well as the significance of becoming part of Assayas’s eagerly awaited upcoming project. Law stated:

“I am conscious of the hefty burden that accompanies playing a disputed character such as Vladimir Putin. I’m also excited to be part of an anticipated production like Assayas’s upcoming film.

I’m expressing my reservations because I haven’t actually begun working on it. In truth, I have started, but it currently seems like an overwhelming task, as if I’m standing at the base of Mount Everest, so I’m hesitating and thinking, ‘Oh dear, what have I taken on?’ This is a feeling I often have when I agree to something. As I was saying, ‘Gosh, how am I going to manage this?‘ However, it’s for me to figure out.

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but appreciate the remarkable work of French filmmaker Xavier Assayas. He has made an indelible mark in the world of cinema, especially with his 2016 masterpiece, “Personal Shopper,” which earned him the prestigious Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Director.

In this captivating movie, we will see the extraordinary collaboration between Kristen Stewart and Paul Dano, who takes on the intriguing role of Vadim Baranov. The ensemble cast also includes Alicia Vikander, recognized for her role in “Ex Machina,” Zach Galifianakis from “The Hangover,” and Tom Sturridge, a familiar face from “The Hunger Games: A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.” It’s going to be an unforgettable cinematic experience!

Is Jude Law to Handsome to Depict Vladimir Putin?

The debut date for “The Wizard of Kremlin” remains undisclosed, suggesting there’s no confirmed release schedule as of yet. However, once it hits the screens, this film is expected to garner significant interest from both film festivals and awarding bodies, owing to its distinguished creative team, impressive cast, and contemporary subject matter.

The hostilities between Russia and Ukraine started on February 24, 2022, marking almost three years of continuous conflict. Contrary to Donald Trump’s assertions about peace negotiations with Putin, the fighting persists. By December 31, 2024, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), a total of 40,838 civilian casualties have been documented in Ukraine since February 24, 2022, with 12,456 fatalities and 28,382 injuries.

I’ve been eagerly anticipating the release of “The Wizard of the Kremlin,” but alas, it seems that it won’t be gracing Russian screens for obvious reasons. Criticizing the leader of a country isn’t exactly a welcome move there. On a related note, major studios have ceased distributing their films in Russia since March 2022, which might explain why some movies are finding it harder to break the $1 billion global box office mark compared to before.

As a fervent admirer, I must say that, just like how “The Apprentice,” a biopic about Trump, wasn’t created to rake in billions, neither was “The Wizard of the Kremlin” intended to do so. However, it’s safe to predict that this film could be quite contentious, especially considering the figure it portrays. It’s not impossible to imagine that Putin might not find himself enamored with the portrayal in “The Wizard of the Kremlin.”

Despite the controversy, it’s worth noting that Olivier Assayas has shown remarkable taste in casting Benedict Cumberbatch as the lead. A man so strikingly handsome he’s been lauded as the epitome of male beauty not once, but twice, in Seth Rogen’s comedies, “Pineapple Express” and “Funny People.

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2025-01-11 02:02