“The Wizard of the Kremlin”: When Glamour Meets Geopolitics
One of the most anticipated films of 2025, “The Wizard of the Kremlin” premiered in competition at the 82nd Venise Mostra. Director Olivier Assayas walked the red carpet with Jude Law, who plays the role of Vladimir Putin, alongside a stellar cast: from Paul Dano and Jeffrey Wright to Tom Sturridge, Will Keen and Alicia Vikander. Walking with them were also many well-known faces from the international jet set.
At the press conference, Assayas clarified that the film is not a simple depiction of Putin’s life, but a reflection on politics and its importance in our lives. “I needed an actor who could understand the character from within,” Assayas explained. And Law delivered a striking performance, thanks to a lot of preparation, analysing the controversial leader’s expressions, gestures, glances and silences in great detail.
The red carpet felt like a reflection of the French director’s style: full of tension, glamour, and depth all at once. It illustrated the complex dynamics of the film, which is set to hit French theaters in January 2026.
Text: Germano D’Acquisto
Photos: Ludovica Arcero
