Fresh off Teaming With Jason Bateman, Jude Law Stands Firm on Playing Putin in Venice Thriller ‘Wizard of the Kremlin'

Published 08/31/2025, 8:43 AM EDT

From theatre stages to global blockbusters, Jude Law has mastered the art of transformation, stepping into roles that range from an alluring charmer in The Talented Mr. Ripley to the wise yet conflicted Dumbledore in the Fantastic Beasts saga. His journey has always been marked by daring choices, whether navigating the moral shadows of Closer or embodying sharp wit as Dr. Watson beside Sherlock Holmes. Now, after sharing the screen with Jason Bateman in Black Rabbit, Law has weighed in on an upcoming thriller.

Jude Law, never one to shy away from bold transformations, steps into the storm as Vladimir Putin in Wizard of the Kremlin, a Venice-bound thriller already sparking intrigue and unease.

Why Jude Law refuses to back down from Wizard of the Kremlin

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At the movie’s official press conference in Venice, Jude Law spoke openly about stepping into the role of Vladimir Putin for Olivier Assayas’ The Wizard of the Kremlin. Law stated, “I didn’t fear repercussions. I felt confident,” stressing that his trust rested on Assayas and the script’s ability to deliver a story rich with nuance and intelligence. He underlined that the goal was never to provoke controversy for spectacle, but rather to portray a character woven into a larger, more thoughtful narrative.

Adapted from Giuliano da Empoli’s 2022 best-selling book, The Wizard of the Kremlin fictionalizes Vladimir Putin’s rise amid post-Soviet turmoil and his connection with spin doctor Vadim Baranov, played by Paul Dano. While Baranov is not real, he is inspired by Vladislav Surkov, credited with shaping Putin’s public persona and authoritarian style. The film’s ensemble also includes Alicia Vikander, Tom Sturridge, and Jeffrey Wright, all present at the Venice press conference. Meanwhile, Law and Jason Bateman’s upcoming Black Rabbit has also neared its release.

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With its release approaching, Black Rabbit promises a gripping drama as Jude Law and Jason Bateman team up under the guidance of creators Zach Baylin and Kate Susman, sparking curiosity across Netflix audiences.

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Black Rabbit, set to premiere on Netflix on September 18, 2025, dives into the tense and unpredictable world of New York City nightlife. Jude Law stars as Jake Friedken, the cautious owner of a bustling hotspot, whose life is thrown into turmoil when his reckless brother, Vince, portrayed by Jason Bateman, reenters his world. The reunion sparks a chain of escalating threats that jeopardize everything Jake has carefully built, promising a gripping, high-stakes drama filled with tension, intrigue, and familial conflict.

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Following the intense drama of Black Rabbit, the Netflix series continues to draw attention not only for its gripping narrative but also for its stellar ensemble. Alongside Jude Law and Jason Bateman, the cast features Cleopatra Coleman, Amaka Okafor, Sope Dirisu, Dagmara Domińczyk, Chris Coy, Troy Kotsur, Abbey Lee, and Odessa Young, all bringing depth to the tense, high-stakes world of the Friedken brothers. While fans speculate about filming locations, curiosity now shifts to Law’s bold next role in the Wizard of the Kremlin, heightening anticipation.

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What do you think about Jude Law’s role in Wizard of the Kremlin? Let us know in the comments below.

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Yusra Miraj Khan

922 articles

Yusra Miraj Khan is an Entertainment Journalist at Netflix Junkie. Specializing in Taylor Swift and the British Royal Family, she transforms modern mythologies into high-ranking, reader-first narratives. Since joining in early 2025, Khan has penned over 500 articles, known for their sharp decoding of Easter eggs and PR silences.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

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