Jude Law Transforms into Vladimir Putin for Olivier Assayas’ “The Wizard of the Kremlin”
Jude Law, 52, has taken on perhaps his most politically charged role yet, portraying Russian President Vladimir Putin, 72, in the highly anticipated political thriller “The Wizard of the Kremlin.” The film, which held its world premiere at the prestigious 82nd Venice International Film Festival on Sunday, August 31, 2025, delves into the enigmatic corridors of Russian power and the intricate dance of modern politics.
Law Addresses the Daunting Portrayal
During a press conference at the Lido, Law, accompanied by acclaimed French director Olivier Assayas, 70, and co-stars Paul Dano, Alicia Vikander, Tom Sturridge, and Jeffrey Wright, addressed the daunting nature of his character. “I hope not naively, but I didn’t fear repercussions,” Law stated, emphasizing his trust in the film’s creative team and script. “I felt confident, in the hands of Olivier and the script, that this story was going to be told intelligently and with nuance and consideration.”
He clarified the film’s intent, stating, “We weren’t looking for controversy for controversy’s sake. It’s a character in a broader story. We weren’t trying to define anything about anyone.” This sentiment reflects a nuanced approach to a figure who has dominated global headlines for decades, from his ascent through the KGB to his long tenure as Russia’s leader.
A Deep Dive into Russian Politics
“The Wizard of the Kremlin” is a compelling adaptation of Giuliano da Empoli’s critically acclaimed 2023 novel of the same name, with a screenplay co-written by Assayas and Emmanuel Carrère. At its core, the film is less a straightforward biopic of Putin and more a deep dive into the sophisticated mechanisms of modern Russian politics and propaganda. Paul Dano, 41, leads the ensemble as Vadim Baranov, a fictional artist-turned-TV-producer who becomes a key strategist at the heart of Russian power. Baranov, described as blurring the lines between truth and lies, news and propaganda, orchestrates an entire society like a grand reality show. Law’s role as Putin, as reported by Deadline in January 2025 when his casting was confirmed, is a supporting one, focusing on the Russian leader “at the beginning of his governing career,” offering a glimpse into the formative years of his political ascent from his KGB background to becoming Boris Yeltsin’s successor.
Assayas on Modern Political Landscape
Director Olivier Assayas elaborated on the film’s broader implications at the festival, which Variety first reported on in May 2024. “The film is very much about how modern politics, 21st-century politics, were invented,” Assayas explained. “And part of that brought the power of Vladimir Putin in Russia, so we made a movie about what politics has become and the very scary and dangerous situation we all feel we are in.” He extended the film’s relevance beyond Russia, adding, “We took a case, which was the specific story of Vladimir Putin, but I think it applies to a lot of leaders.” Assayas underscored the profound shift in political landscapes, stating, “I think politics have changed in a major way during this time… What’s going on right now is not only terrifying, but it’s even more terrifying by the fact that we haven’t really found the answer.”
The Arduous Transformation
The arduous task of embodying a figure as globally recognized and often polarizing as Putin was acknowledged by Law himself, who told Deadline earlier in 2025, “I mean, I have [started work], but at the moment it looks like an Everest to climb, so I’m in the foothills looking up thinking, ’Oh Christ, what have I said?’” Filming took place in various locations, including Riga, Latvia, with images from March 25, 2025, showing Law in extensive makeup and prosthetics to transform into the Russian leader.
The 82nd Venice International Film Festival, a crucial platform for global cinema, is set to conclude on Saturday, September 6, 2025. While “The Wizard of the Kremlin” has made a significant splash with its world premiere, an official release date for the wider public has not yet been announced.
