Jude Law Reveals Role as Vladimir Putin in ‘The Wizard of Kremlin’: ‘How Am I Going to Do This?’

Jude Law confirms he will portray Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Jude Law to Play Young Vladimir Putin in ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’

British actor Jude Law has officially confirmed that he will take on the role of a young Vladimir Putin in The Wizard of the Kremlin, directed by Olivier Assayas. Based on Giuliano da Empoli’s critically acclaimed and best-selling book, the film is set against the backdrop of post-Soviet Russia in the early 1990s, capturing the complex political and social landscape following the collapse of the USSR.

The Wizard of the Kremlin follows the story of Vadim Baranov, a talented artist-turned-TV producer who unexpectedly becomes the spin doctor for the rising Russian leader. As Baranov becomes increasingly involved with Putin’s political ascent, the film delves into the formative years of Putin’s rise to power, exploring the delicate balance of media manipulation, political maneuvering, and personal ambition that helped shape the modern Russian state.

Jude Law’s casting marks an exciting and ambitious role for the two-time Oscar-nominated actor, who is known for his versatility in portraying complex characters. Law’s portrayal of Putin will explore the young leader’s early years as a member of the KGB and his rapid transition from an obscure political figure to one of the most powerful leaders in the world. The film will highlight the pivotal moments that allowed Putin to solidify his hold on power in Russia.

Director Olivier Assayas, known for his masterful storytelling in films such as Personal Shopper and Clouds of Sils Maria, is excited to bring this thought-provoking political drama to the big screen. Assayas and Law have collaborated on several occasions, and their reunion in this project promises a nuanced exploration of Putin’s early years and the forces that shaped him.

As the film dives into the intricacies of Russian politics and power dynamics, it is expected to provide a rare glimpse into the media strategies and behind-the-scenes tactics that played a significant role in Putin’s rise. The Wizard of the Kremlin is shaping up to be a riveting political thriller, shedding light on the complex world of Russian governance and the powerful figures who molded it.

The film’s production is eagerly anticipated, with Law’s casting and Assayas’ direction adding to the excitement surrounding the project. The Wizard of the Kremlin is poised to be a significant addition to the genre of political dramas, providing both historical insight and compelling drama as it unfolds the story of one of the world’s most controversial and influential leaders.

Jude Law Opens Up About Playing Vladimir Putin in ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’

Jude Law recently spoke with Deadline about his upcoming role as Russian President Vladimir Putin in The Wizard of the Kremlin, sharing insights into the film and his thoughts on portraying such a highly controversial figure. While he confirmed his involvement in the highly anticipated project, Law noted that filming has yet to begin.

The British actor discussed the immense responsibility that comes with playing someone as complex and polarizing as Putin. “It’s a huge weight,” Law admitted. “Taking on a character like Vladimir Putin is both daunting and exhilarating. It’s an immense challenge to step into the shoes of a leader whose actions and decisions have shaped the course of modern history. But it’s also an opportunity to explore the person behind the public persona, to understand the formative years that led to his rise to power.”

Law emphasized the importance of portraying the Russian leader in a nuanced way, balancing the human aspect with the political machinations that defined Putin’s journey. “The film aims to delve into the early days of his political career and the forces that shaped him, so my task is to bring those complexities to life,” he added.

Joining a high-profile production like The Wizard of the Kremlin is a significant moment in Law’s career. Directed by Olivier Assayas, the film is based on the best-selling book by Giuliano da Empoli, set in the early 1990s during the aftermath of the Soviet Union’s collapse. The story follows Vadim Baranov, a young artist turned TV producer, who becomes a key player in Putin’s rise to power.

For Law, the opportunity to collaborate with Assayas, a director with whom he has worked before, is a significant part of the film’s appeal. “Olivier is one of the finest directors working today, and I’m thrilled to be a part of this project,” Law said. “His vision for the film is ambitious and timely, and I’m excited to explore this fascinating chapter of history with him.”

As filming is yet to commence, Law is taking time to prepare for the role, which will require a deep dive into both the history of Russia during the 1990s and the intricacies of Putin’s persona. With a role as high-profile and controversial as Putin, Law is keenly aware of the scrutiny the film will face, but is committed to bringing an authentic portrayal to the screen.

The Wizard of the Kremlin is expected to stir conversation, as it examines not just Putin’s rise, but the broader political and societal changes that took place during a pivotal time in Russian history. As Law prepares for this monumental role, all eyes are on how he will bring Putin’s early years to life in what promises to be a thought-provoking and captivating film.

Courtesy: The Economist

Jude Law Talks Challenges of Playing Vladimir Putin in ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’

Jude Law recently shared his thoughts on the daunting challenge of portraying Russian President Vladimir Putin in The Wizard of the Kremlin. While confirming his involvement in the highly anticipated project, Law admitted that he hasn’t yet fully immersed himself in the role, acknowledging the weight and complexity of taking on such a controversial figure.

“I say that hesitatingly because I haven’t really started work on it yet. I mean, I have, but 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?’” Law confessed during a conversation with Deadline. “That’s often how I feel while I say yes. I was going, ‘Oh God, how am I going to do this?’ But anyway, that’s for me to sort out.”

The actor, known for his versatile performances, expressed a mix of excitement and apprehension about the role. Playing such a polarizing and high-profile figure like Putin, whose actions have had a significant impact on global politics, certainly presents a unique challenge for Law. Despite his initial trepidation, he is determined to dive into the role and bring a nuanced portrayal of the Russian leader to the screen.

Law’s candid remarks highlight the pressures and self-reflection that come with tackling a role of this magnitude. As he prepares for the intense journey ahead, fans and critics alike are eager to see how he navigates the complexities of portraying one of the most powerful and controversial leaders in recent history.

‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’ Novel’s Timely Release Sparks Film Adaptation at Cannes 2024

The Wizard of the Kremlin, a novel by Giuliano da Empoli, was published in April 2022, just two months after the Russian-Ukraine war began, making its exploration of power, politics, and media manipulation even more relevant and timely. The book quickly became a bestseller due to its insight into the rise of Vladimir Putin, set against the backdrop of Russia’s post-Soviet transformation.

The news of a film adaptation of the novel was unveiled at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, creating a significant buzz in the industry. Directed by Olivier Assayas, the highly anticipated film has generated considerable attention, not only due to its timely subject matter but also because of the casting of Jude Law in the challenging role of a young Vladimir Putin.

The adaptation comes at a moment when the real-life geopolitical tensions between Russia and the West are more prominent than ever, heightening interest in a story that offers an in-depth look at the political climate that shaped one of the most influential leaders of the 21st century.

The combination of the novel’s topical themes and the film’s star-studded involvement has positioned The Wizard of the Kremlin as one of the most eagerly awaited political dramas in recent years, promising to captivate audiences with its exploration of power, propaganda, and the rise of Vladimir Putin.

Courtesy: Zack D. Films

Jude Law, Paul Dano, and Star-Studded Cast Set for The Wizard of the Kremlin Film Adaptation

The highly anticipated film adaptation of The Wizard of the Kremlin is shaping up to be a star-studded affair. Alongside Jude Law, who will portray a young Vladimir Putin, the movie will also feature Paul Dano in the lead role of Vadim Baranov, a pivotal character who becomes the spin doctor behind Putin’s rise to power.

The cast includes several renowned actors, adding depth and excitement to the political drama. Ex Machina star Alicia Vikander joins the ensemble, bringing her signature intensity to the film. Comedic actor Zach Galifianakis, known for his roles in The Hangover series, will bring a unique dimension to the story, while The Hunger Games: A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes actor Tom Sturridge also takes on a key role in the film.

With such a diverse and talented cast, The Wizard of the Kremlin promises to be a gripping exploration of Russia’s political landscape, power struggles, and media manipulation during the formative years of Vladimir Putin’s ascent. The combination of star power and the timely, thought-provoking material is already generating significant buzz ahead of its release.

‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’ Film: No Set Release Date, But Expected to Make Waves on the Festival and Awards Circuit

While the production start date for The Wizard of the Kremlin remains unknown, the film is already generating considerable buzz due to its impressive creative team, star-studded cast, and highly topical subject matter. The film’s exploration of Vladimir Putin’s rise to power, set against the backdrop of the early 1990s and the collapse of the Soviet Union, places it at the intersection of political intrigue and contemporary relevance, which is sure to capture the attention of audiences worldwide.

Given its talented ensemble—including Jude Law, Paul Dano, Alicia Vikander, Zach Galifianakis, and Tom Sturridge—and the direction of Olivier Assayas, The Wizard of the Kremlin is expected to be a significant player on the festival and awards circuit once it is released. The combination of gripping storytelling, a timely narrative, and a standout creative team makes the film a likely contender for recognition at major film festivals, and possibly at award shows as well.

Although there is no set release date yet, anticipation for the film continues to grow, with many eager to see how it will handle the complexities of power, politics, and media manipulation that defined Putin’s early years in office. When it does finally make its debut, The Wizard of the Kremlin is poised to become one of the most talked-about films of the year.

Courtesy: Bloomberg Quicktake

References

Mukesh Singh Profile He is an IITian, Electronics & Telecom Engineer and MBA in TQM with more than 15 years wide experience in Education sector, Quality Assurance & Software development . He is TQM expert and worked for numbers of Schools ,College and Universities to implement TQM in education sectors He is an author of “TQM in Practice” and member of “Quality circle forum of India”, Indian Institute of Quality, New Delhi & World Quality Congress . His thesis on TQM was published during world quality congress 2003 and he is also faculty member of Quality Institute of India ,New Delhi He is a Six Sigma Master Black Belt from CII. He worked in Raymond Ltd from 1999-2001 and joined Innodata Software Ltd in 2001 as a QA Engineer. He worked with the Dow Chemical Company (US MNC) for implementation of Quality Systems and Process Improvement for Software Industries & Automotive Industries. He worked with leading certification body like ICS, SGS, DNV,TUV & BVQI for Systems Certification & Consultancy and audited & consulted more than 1000 reputed organization for (ISO 9001/14001/18001/22000/TS16949,ISO 22001 & ISO 27001) and helped the supplier base of OEM's for improving the product quality, IT security and achieving customer satisfaction through implementation of effective systems. Faculty with his wide experience with more than 500 Industries (Like TCS, Indian Railways, ONGC, BPCL, HPCL, BSE( Gr Floor BOI Shareholdings), UTI, ONGC, Lexcite.com Ltd, eximkey.com, Penta Computing, Selectron Process Control, Mass-Tech, United Software Inc, Indrajit System, Reymount Commodities, PC Ware, ACI Laptop ,Elle Electricals, DAV Institutions etc), has helped the industry in implementing ISMS Risk Analysis, Asset Classification, BCP Planning, ISMS Implementation FMEA, Process Control using Statistical Techniques and Problem Solving approach making process improvements in various assignments. He has traveled to 25 countries around the world including US, Europe and worldwide regularly for corporate training and business purposes.
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