The Wizard of the Kremlin (film)
| The Wizard of the Kremlin | |
|---|---|
| French | Le Mage du Kremlin |
| Directed by | Olivier Assayas |
| Screenplay by | Olivier Assayas Emmanuel Carrère |
| Based on | The Wizard of the Kremlin by Giuliano da Empoli |
| Produced by | Olivier Delbosc |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Yorick Le Saux |
| Edited by | Marion Monnier |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Gaumont (France) |
Release date |
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Running time | 156 minutes |
| Countries |
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| Language | English |
The Wizard of the Kremlin (French: Le Mage du Kremlin) is an upcoming political thriller film directed by Olivier Assayas, written by Assayas and Emmanuel Carrère and based on the 2022 novel of the same name by Giuliano da Empoli. It follows the fictional character of Vadim Baranov (Paul Dano) during the final years of the Soviet Union and the turbulent start of the Russian Federation, while a young Vladimir Putin (Jude Law) rises into power. It also stars Alicia Vikander, Zach Galifianakis, Tom Sturridge and Jeffrey Wright.
The film will have its world premiere in the main competition of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on 31 August 2025.[1]
Premise
Vadim Baranov morphs from as a young artist in 1990s Soviet Union into an influential government official and spin doctor at the heart of the Russian Government.[2]
Cast
- Paul Dano as Vadim Baranov
- Jude Law as Vladimir Putin
- Alicia Vikander as Ksenia
- Zach Galifianakis
- Tom Sturridge
- Jeffrey Wright
Production
The film is directed by Olivier Assayas and is an adaptation by Assayas and Emmanuel Carrère of the novel The Wizard of the Kremlin by Giuliano da Empoli, published in French in April 2022. It is produced by Curiosa Films and Gaumont.[3]
Paul Dano, Jude Law, Alicia Vikander, Zach Galifianakis, and Tom Sturridge were reported to be leading the cast in May 2024 with Dano cast as the fictional Russian political advisor Vadim Baranov.[4] In January 2025, it was announced that Law would portray Vladimir Putin.[5] Filming took place in March 2025 in Riga, Latvia.[6]
References
- ^ "Biennale Cinema 2025 | The Wizard of the Kremlin". La Biennale di Venezia. July 15, 2025. Retrieved July 22, 2025.
- ^ Booth, Ned (May 17, 2024). "'The Wizard Of The Kremlin': Olivier Assayas' Next Film Stars Paul Dano, Alicia Vikander, Jude Law, Zach Galifianakis & Tom Sturridge". Playlist. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
- ^ Keslassy, Elsa (May 17, 2024). "Paul Dano, Alicia Vikander, Jude Law, Zach Galifianakis, Tom Sturridge Team Up in Olivier Assayas' 'The Wizard of the Kremlin' for Gaumont (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
- ^ Blevins, Adam (May 17, 2024). "Paul Dano and Jude Law Will Take on 'The Wizard of the Kremlin' in New Political Thriller". Collider. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
- ^ Bamigboye, Baz (January 9, 2025). "Breaking Baz: Jude Law Portrays Much-Married Henry VIII As A Murderous Monarch With Sore Legs". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
- ^ Zimko, Oleksandra (March 25, 2025). "Jude Law appeared in Putin's image: First photos from The Wizard of the Kremlin". News Ukraine. Retrieved March 31, 2025.