Olivier Assayas’ next film, “The Wizard of the Kremlin,” has started production in Europe. The cast assembled for ‘Wizard’ includes Paul Dano, Alicia Vikander, Jude Law, Zach Galifianakis and Tom Sturridge.
We now have our first on-set picture of Law as Vladimir Putin. I can see the resemblance. This is good casting. Law previously claimed that he’s absolutely petrified taking on the role.
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?’ That's often how I feel whilst I say yes. I was going, 'Oh God, how am I going to do this?’ But anyway, that's for me to sort out.
At least no AI will be used here. A few months ago, I reported on a Ukrainian-backed Putin biopic that was using digital makeup and deepfake imagery to portray the Russian leader. That film played in 60+ theaters, snd practically nobody bought a ticket for it.
Based on Giuliano da Empoli’s bestseller, ‘Wizard of Kremlin’ tackles the rise of Vladimir Putin in Russia. Spanning the early ‘90’s and early aughts, the novel begins in the aftermath of the USSR’s collapse as TV producer Vadim Baranov shadow puppets a promising member of the KGB (Putin) into prominent positions of government.
‘Wizard of Kremlin’ should be an interesting film, especially since Assayas is the director behind such acclaimed works as “Irma Vep,” “Personal Shopper,” “Carlos,” and “Summer Hours.”
Production on ‘Wizard of Kremlin’ is supposed to wrap up sometime next month, but it’ll be interesting to see if they decide to rush this one for the fall fests or if they wait patiently for a Cannes 2026 premiere.
