Recent footage has surfaced of actor Jude Law portraying a young Vladimir Putin in «The Wizard of the Kremlin,» a film directed by Olivier Assayas.
News of the screen adaptation of Giuliano da Empoli’s novel of the same name first emerged in January 2025, sparking widespread debate on social media. Much of the controversy stemmed from the decision to cast Law, one of Hollywood’s most handsome actors, as Putin. The project has ignited discussions over whether Law’s portrayal of the Russian president might be biased, leading to comparisons between the actor and Putin.
The leaked footage, believed to be early shots from the production, shows Law in makeup with short blond hair, wearing a dark suit.
«The Wizard of the Kremlin» follows Vadim Baranov, a producer who, in the 1990s, transitions into political consulting and begins working with Putin. The lead role of Baranov will be played by Paul Dano. The character is widely believed to be based on Vladislav Surkov, a Russian politician and former official who served as an aide and later deputy head of Boris Yeltsin’s presidential administration in 1999. He held a similar position under Putin from 2004 to 2008 and returned to the role in 2013.
Surkov commented on the film’s production, saying, «No one is safe from this.»
Earlier this year, Law expressed uncertainty about taking on the role of Putin, describing it as a challenge akin to climbing Mount Everest.
