Jude Law has landed an unexpected role playing Vladimir Putin in director Olivier Assayas' upcoming movie The Wizard of the Kremlin.
Based on Giuliano da Empoli’s 2022 novel of the same name, the political thriller will follow a young filmmaker (played by Paul Dano) who becomes a key advisor to Putin during his rise to power in post-Soviet Russia.
Law was first attached to the film early last year, though his role hasn’t been specified until now.
Related: Best streaming services in 2024
During a new interview with Deadline, the actor confirmed he’ll play the Russian president at the beginning of his governing career.
"I say that hesitatingly because I haven't really started work on it yet," he shared. "I mean, I have, but at the moment it looks like an Everest to climb, so I'm in the foothills looking up thinking, 'Oh Christ, what have I said?'
What to Read Next
"That's often how I feel whilst I say yes. I was going, 'Oh God, how am I going to do this?' But anyway, that's for me to sort out."
Rounding out the film’s cast are Tomb Raider’s Alicia Vikander, The Hangover’s Zach Galifianakis and The Sandman’s Tom Sturridge.
Related: Jude Law recreates iconic The Holiday scene during reunion
Elsewhere, Law can currently be seen on screen in the new Star Wars series Skeleton Crew, which premiered on Disney+ last month and will air its final episode on January 15.
Set around the same time as The Mandalorian, the live-action series focuses on four kids lost in the galaxy who try to make their way home.
Law stars in the series as Jedi Jod Na Nawood, alongside newcomers Ravi Cabot-Conyers, Kyriana Kratter, Robert Timothy Smith and Ryan Kiera Armstrong.
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew airs on Disney+.
Social Executive, Entertainment Portfolio After completing her joint honours degree in Journalism and English Literature at Cardiff University, Iona joined Digital Spy as a Content Production Intern in 2022, where she wrote across both news and features, specialising in TV and movies. Following her internship, Iona continued contributing to the site as a freelance reporter, becoming social executive for the Hearst UK entertainment portfolio in summer 2025. Iona now leads the DS social channels, covering red carpets with stars such as Paul Mescal, Austin Butler, and more.
