Actor Paul Dano appeared on The Daily Show to discuss his role in the political drama "The Wizard of the Kremlin."
The film explores the rise of Vladimir Putin and the mechanics of power within Russia. By examining the role of media manipulation and complicity, the project seeks to provide a critique of contemporary global political climates.
Directed by Olivier Assayas, the film features Dano as a Russian media manipulator. Some reports describe the character as a "New Rasputin" who helped facilitate the ascension of the Russian leader [2, 3]. The narrative focuses on the intersection of propaganda and political ambition.
During his interview with Jordan Klepper, Dano said the film holds up a mirror to Russia and the world at large [1]. He said the story examines how such systems of control operate and the ways in which individuals become complicit in those structures [1].
The production has already garnered attention on the international festival circuit. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival in Italy, where it received a standing ovation lasting nearly 12 minutes [2].
Promotional efforts for the film have continued into this year, with the official UK trailer released in 2026 [4]. The trailer emphasizes the predatory nature of the political environment, with the narrator stating, "They're vicious animals. They come from the void" [4].
Dano's portrayal joins a cast that includes Jude Law, who depicts the Russian president [2, 3]. The film aims to dissect the specific strategies used to consolidate power in the Kremlin, and the resulting impact on Russian society.
“"I think that there’s a pretty big mirror held up in this film, not just to Russia, but to the world at large."”
The film's focus on a 'New Rasputin' figure suggests a narrative interest in the invisible architects of political power rather than just the leaders themselves. By debuting at Venice and targeting a global audience, the production positions the rise of Putin not as an isolated Russian phenomenon, but as a case study in the universal fragility of democratic institutions and the efficacy of modern propaganda.
