Jude Law is set to tackle a significant challenge for his latest role. In a recent interview with Deadline released on Thursday, January 9th, the 52-year-old actor disclosed that he will portray Russian President Vladimir Putin in an upcoming film titled “The Wizard of the Kremlin.” Directed by French filmmaker Olivier Assayas, the movie will feature Law in a supporting role and will center on Putin, now 72, at the outset of his political career.
“I haven’t really started work on it yet,” Law shared with Deadline, adding, “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 further expressed his initial apprehension, stating, “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 movie, “The Wizard of the Kremlin,” will also star Paul Dano, Alicia Vikander, and Zach Galifianakis, as reported by Variety in May 2024. The film is based on Giuliano da Empoli’s 2023 bestselling book of the same title, with a screenplay by Assayas, 69, and Emmanuel Carrère. Dano, 40, is set to portray the lead character Vadim Baranov, an artist-turned-TV-producer who manipulates truth and propaganda while navigating Russian power dynamics.
According to Variety, the synopsis describes Baranov as a figure who orchestrates society like a reality show, with his only salvation being his love for the independent-minded Ksenia. Law, known for his recent appearance in the 2024 action-thriller “The Order” and his role in the new series “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew” on Disney+, was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in December 2024. The ceremony was a poignant moment for Law, who shared that his late mother, Margaret, was in his thoughts during the event.
“I found out and was originally going to have the [ceremony] a couple of weeks back,” Law recounted of learning about his Hollywood Walk of Fame star. “And actually, I lost my mom. So we had to delay it. But in a very odd way as a kind of final gift, it meant that a few more of my family could actually be here.” Law was joined at the ceremony by his wife Phillipa Coan and his eldest children Rafferty, 28, and Iris, 24, along with his other children.
Law reflected on the emotional significance of the ceremony, describing it as a deeply personal experience. Meanwhile, Law’s upcoming portrayal of Vladimir Putin in “The Wizard of the Kremlin” has generated anticipation and interest among fans and critics alike, as the esteemed actor prepares to embody the complex character of the Russian leader on screen.
