Jude Law to play Vladimir Putin in Olivier Assayas' political thriller
Jude Law is set to portray Russian President Vladimir Putin in Olivier Assayas’ upcoming political thriller The Wizard of the Kremlin, based on Giuliano da Empoli’s bestselling novel.
The actor shared his thoughts on the role in an interview with Deadline, admitting that the task ahead feels daunting, though he’s already started preparing for the part. "It looks like an Everest to climb," Law said, laughing about the challenge ahead.
The film will focus on Putin’s early years in power, with Law playing the Russian leader at the start of his political career. The story follows a young filmmaker, portrayed by Paul Dano, who unexpectedly becomes an advisor to Putin as he rises to power in post-Soviet Russia.
This isn’t Law’s first time playing a world leader. He previously starred as Pope Pius XIII in the miniseries The Young Pope. His recent projects include the films The Order and Eden, as well as his role in Disney+'s Star Wars series Skeleton Crew. Law is also slated to reprise his role as Dr. John Watson in the long-anticipated Sherlock Holmes 3 alongside Robert Downey Jr. The actor expressed optimism about the project, revealing that discussions are ongoing and a new version of the script is being developed.
Alicia Vikander, Zach Galifianakis, and Tom Sturridge join Law in the ensemble cast of The Wizard of the Kremlin, which promises to offer a deep dive into the complex world of Russian politics.