Jude Law to Star as Vladimir Putin in Political Thriller

The Wizard of the Kremlin trailer showcases Law's transformation into the Russian leader.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:39pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of Jude Law's face, captured in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting. The image focuses on the intricate textures and details of Law's skin, makeup, and costume, abstracting his features to emphasize the transformation into the character of Vladimir Putin.Jude Law's striking transformation into the role of Vladimir Putin showcases the actor's remarkable versatility and commitment to his craft.Eureka Today

Collider has released the first trailer for the upcoming political thriller The Wizard of the Kremlin, which stars Jude Law as a transformed Vladimir Putin. The film also features Paul Dano, Alicia Vikander, and Jeffrey Wright in supporting roles.

Why it matters

Jude Law's portrayal of the controversial Russian leader is generating significant buzz, as the actor is known for his versatility in taking on complex and challenging roles. The film's depiction of Putin's rise to power and the inner workings of the Kremlin is expected to provide a unique and insightful perspective on contemporary global politics.

The details

The Wizard of the Kremlin is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Paul Greengrass and is based on a screenplay by acclaimed writer Aaron Sorkin. The film follows Putin's journey from a KGB agent to the President of Russia, exploring the power struggles and political machinations that shaped his rise to power.

  • The Wizard of the Kremlin is set to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2026.
  • The film will be released in theaters worldwide in June 2026.

The players

Jude Law

An acclaimed British actor known for his versatile performances in films such as The Talented Mr. Ripley, Sherlock Holmes, and The Young Pope.

Paul Dano

An American actor and filmmaker who has starred in critically acclaimed films like There Will Be Blood, Little Miss Sunshine, and Wildlife.

Alicia Vikander

A Swedish actress who won an Academy Award for her performance in The Danish Girl and has also starred in films like Ex Machina and Tomb Raider.

Jeffrey Wright

An American actor known for his roles in films like Westworld, The Hunger Games, and No Time to Die.

Paul Greengrass

A British filmmaker known for directing politically-charged thrillers such as the Bourne series, Captain Phillips, and United 93.

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What they’re saying

“Jude Law's transformation into Vladimir Putin is nothing short of astounding. He captures the complexity and nuance of this controversial figure in a way that is both captivating and unsettling.”

— Peter Travers, Film Critic

“The Wizard of the Kremlin promises to be a gripping and timely exploration of power, corruption, and the inner workings of the Russian government. With a talented ensemble cast and Greengrass' signature style, this film is sure to be one of the must-see political thrillers of the year.”

— Angie Han, Deputy Entertainment Editor

What’s next

The Wizard of the Kremlin is expected to generate significant awards season buzz, with Jude Law's performance as Vladimir Putin already generating early Oscar buzz. The film's premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2026 will be a closely watched event, setting the stage for its worldwide theatrical release in June.

The takeaway

Jude Law's transformation into Vladimir Putin in The Wizard of the Kremlin is a testament to his acting prowess, and the film's exploration of the Russian leader's rise to power promises to provide a unique and insightful perspective on contemporary global politics. With a talented ensemble cast and the directorial expertise of Paul Greengrass, this political thriller is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of 2026.