The political drama "The Wizard of the Kremlin" will open in U.S. theaters on May 15, 2026 [1].
The film examines the early 1990s, a volatile period in post-Soviet Russia. By dramatizing the ascent of Vladimir Putin, the project seeks to explore the intersection of power, manipulation, and historical fiction.
Directed and co-written by Olivier Assayas, the film stars Jude Law as Vladimir Putin. Paul Dano portrays Vadim Baranov, a character described as the "New Rasputin" who serves as a scheming adviser [1], [2]. The ensemble cast also includes Alicia Vikander, Tom Sturridge, Will Keen, and Jeffrey Wright [1], [3].
The narrative is based on the fictionalized novel "Le Mage du Kremlin" [1], [2]. It focuses on the strategic maneuvers and political machinery that enabled Putin's rise to power during the collapse of the Soviet era.
Promotional efforts for the film began well before its wide release. The first official clip was unveiled in August 2025 [2]. That early footage premiered at the Venice Film Festival in Italy to generate international interest before the film moved toward its domestic debut [3], [5].
Assayas utilizes the historical setting to create a study of political ambition. The production emphasizes the relationship between the leader and the strategist, highlighting how Baranov's influence shaped the trajectory of the Russian state [4].
“Jude Law stars as Vladimir Putin”
The film's release reflects a continued cinematic interest in the origins of contemporary Russian autocracy. By blending historical events with a fictionalized narrative, the project provides a psychological study of power rather than a strictly chronological biography, framing the rise of the Kremlin's current leadership as a calculated exercise in political alchemy.
