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The highly anticipated film The Wizard of the Kremlin, directed by Olivier Assayas, has released its first trailer, captivating audiences with its portrayal of Vladimir Putin’s early political maneuvers. Acclaimed actor Jude Law plays Putin, with the film exploring the complex landscape of 1990s Russia, marked by political upheaval and transformation.
At the center of this story is Vadim Baranov, portrayed by Paul Dano. Inspired by the real-life political figure Vladislav Surkov, Baranov emerges as a powerful political strategist during this tumultuous time. The film presents Baranov as the enigmatic “new Rasputin,” tasked with crafting Putin’s image from that of a mere KGB spy to a formidable political leader.
In the newly released trailer, a chilling exchange occurs as Putin asserts, “What interests me… is power. I’m not interested in the Nobel Peace Prize. I want a war.”
Exploring political dynamics in post-Soviet Russia
The Wizard of the Kremlin premiered at the Venice Film Festival in August and is scheduled for a global release on January 21, 2026.
The film aims to provide viewers with insight into the complex web of post-Soviet politics and the various forces that contributed to Putin’s rise to power. Critics have noted the film’s relevance, suggesting it serves as a cautionary tale for the West regarding the trajectory of Russian governance.
Character insights and thematic elements
In addition to Law and Dano, the film features a talented cast, including Alicia Vikander as Ksenia, Baranov’s wife, and Tom Sturridge, portraying a banker reminiscent of real-life oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky. Khodorkovsky’s imprisonment after opposing Putin symbolizes the dangers faced by those who challenge the political status quo.
The film also includes Will Keen as the late Boris Berezovsky, an oligarch who met a mysterious end while in exile, and Jeffrey Wright as an American journalist who becomes a confidant to Baranov.
Critics have responded positively to the film, with a reviewer from Deadline noting its timeliness and relevance: “Though it is set almost entirely within the realpolitik of early 21st-century Moscow, The Wizard of the Kremlin offers a warning to the West about how that state of affairs came to be.” The film has garnered attention, receiving a 12-minute standing ovation in Venice and continuing to showcase at festivals in Toronto, San Sebastian, and London.
Production and distribution details
The film is produced by Oliver Delbosc of Curiosa Films and Sidonie Dumas from Gaumont, in collaboration with France 2 Cinéma and France Télévisions, and is backed by Disney+ for international distribution. Gaumont manages the film’s release in France and its global sales.
With its focus on the intricate political landscape of Russia during a critical time in history, The Wizard of the Kremlin promises to engage audiences with its exploration of power, influence, and the personal dynamics that shaped one of the most significant political figures of our era. As anticipation builds for its release, the film stands poised to offer a compelling narrative that intertwines history with the dramatic storytelling of cinema.
