Jude Law takes on Putin role in "The Wizard of the Kremlin
He played the young Albus Dumbledore and the first American pope. Now Jude Law has received another intriguing job offer: it appears he will be portraying Vladimir Putin in a new project.
Jude Law probably needs no introduction. Many people remember him from productions such as "The Holiday," "The Talented Mr. Ripley," "Enemy at the Gates," "The Young Pope," or the "Sherlock Holmes" and "Fantastic Beasts" series. Recently, he joined the "Star Wars" universe with the series "The Skeleton Crew." This year, a new part of Sherlock's adventures is set to premiere, where Jude plays Dr. Watson. In 2026, a movie is set to be released in which Jude will become Vladimir Putin. What is known about this project?
Jude Law in another film about Putin
The British actor confirmed his involvement in "The Wizard of the Kremlin," in which he will portray Russian President Vladimir Putin. Olivier Assayas will direct the project with Jude. It is based on the bestselling novel by Giuliano da Empoli.
The production focuses on a young filmmaker, Vadim Baranov, played by Paul Dano. This character unexpectedly becomes a key advisor to Putin during his rise to power in post-Soviet Russia. In the book, Baranov is an older man recounting his career, the "tsar," his rise to power, and his involvement in significant international politics. Although, as da Empoli commented, the character of Baranov is fictional, media outlets have pointed out that he may be inspired by a real figure close to Putin — Vladislav Surkov, who was known as a rap enthusiast, former theater director, writer, PR chief for a television channel, and entrepreneur. Today, he's a gray eminence of the Kremlin and was reportedly an advisor to Putin until 2020.
The cast also features Alicia Vikander, Zach Galifianakis, and Tom Sturridge, so it looks like a film filled with absurdities and comedic elements is in the works.
In a conversation with Deadline, Jude Law admitted that the role of Putin is a huge challenge for him. "I am in the first stage of preparation. This project is like climbing Everest, so at this moment I'm standing in front of a great mountain and taking the first steps, and I'm thinking, 'Jesus, what have I gotten myself into?' Somehow, I will have to deal with it," the actor said.
