Jude Law’s Vladimir Putin Shines in New Clip from ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’

Political dramas centered around real-world figures have gained traction in recent years, particularly those that delve into themes of power, media influence, and the emergence of controversial leaders. These narratives often blend fiction with historical events, crafting stories that resonate on both personal and political levels.

One of the latest entries in this genre is ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’, with a new clip recently unveiled by IGN. This scene offers audiences another glimpse of Jude Law’s portrayal of a young Vladimir Putin as he starts to gain influence and support in Russia.

Directed by Olivier Assayas, ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’ is an English-language French political satire inspired by the 2022 novel by Giuliano da Empoli. The film follows fictional political strategist Vadim Baranov, played by Paul Dano, during the twilight years of the Soviet Union and the initial rise of modern Russia.

In the film, Jude Law embodies Vladimir Putin, depicted as a rising political figure gradually becoming a central power. The newly released clip highlights Putin’s connection with the Russian populace, showcasing the political image-building that serves as a key theme throughout the movie.

The cast also features Alicia Vikander, Will Keen, Tom Sturridge, and Jeffrey Wright. The film intertwines fictional characters with real historical figures and events, creating a narrative about politics, influence, and control during a transformative era in Russian history.

Production for the film commenced in 2025, with shooting locations in Riga, Latvia. The screenplay was co-written by Olivier Assayas and Emmanuel Carrère, adapting the bestselling novel into a cinematic experience.

The movie premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival in 2025, where it competed for the prestigious Golden Lion. Critical reception has been varied thus far. According to Rotten Tomatoes, some reviewers lauded Jude Law’s performance while critiquing the film’s pacing and emotional depth.

Wendy Ide of ‘The Observer’ remarked, “Law is terrific, and there’s a choking sense of ominous tension whenever he’s on screen.” Meanwhile, Jonathan Romney of ‘Screen International’ praised the film’s visual style and direction, describing it as a story propelled by “fast-moving, sleek direction and sumptuous mise en scène.”

‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’ is set to release in North America on May 15 through Vertical.

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