Jude Law is stepping into a very different role, playing the infamous Russian leader Vladimir Putin in the upcoming movie The Wizard of the Kremlin.
The film, currently being shot in Latvia, is based on the novel by Giuliano da Empoli and delves into Putin’s rise to power through the eyes of political strategist Vadim Baranov.
This marks the first time Jude Law has been seen on set in character, and he looks nearly unrecognizable as the Russian president.
Filming Kicks Off in Latvia
In the latest photos from the set, Jude Law, 52, was spotted filming scenes dressed as Vladimir Putin.
Sporting the Russian president’s iconic hairstyle and wearing makeup to closely resemble his features, Law was seen wearing a two-piece suit and a white shirt.
He was chatting with one of his co-stars between takes, bringing the world of Russian politics to life on screen.
The Story Behind the Biopic
The Wizard of the Kremlin is a political thriller set in the 1990s, following the collapse of the USSR.
It tells the story of Vadim Baranov, an artist-turned-TV producer who unexpectedly becomes a spin doctor for Putin, a rising star within the ex-KGB.
The film explores Baranov’s role in creating an authoritarian regime, blending truth with propaganda to control Russian society.
The character of Baranov is played by Paul Dano, known for his roles in There Will Be Blood and Love and Mercy.
The Cast and the Characters
Alongside Law and Dano, the film features an impressive cast including Tom Sturridge, Zach Galifianakis, and Alicia Vikander, with whom Law previously worked on Firebrand.
The movie promises to give audiences a deep dive into the manipulation and media control that helped shape modern Russia.
A Look at the Source Material
The novel The Wizard of the Kremlin, written by Giuliano da Empoli, serves as the inspiration for the film.
The author, a former senior adviser to Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, crafted the story around the figure of Vladislav Surkov, a prominent Russian official.
The film’s production has reportedly not sought advice from the Kremlin, although it has been widely known that they are aware of its creation.
Global Appeal and Anticipated Release
With plans to translate the film into 30 languages, The Wizard of the Kremlin is expected to have a broad international reach.
Produced by Olivier Delbosc’s Curiosa Films and Gaumont, and co-written by Assayas and Emmanuel Carrère, the film is set to shed light on the darker aspects of the Russian regime through Baranov’s eyes.
The biopic promises to be a compelling exploration of power, media manipulation, and the making of one of the world’s most controversial political figures.
Fans of both Law and political dramas can expect a thrilling and insightful portrayal of Putin’s rise to power.