The film is set in the early 1990s, after the collapse of the USSR, when Vadim Baranov, a young artist-turned-TV producer, unexpectedly becomes the doctor of the current Russian president, who begins his rise to power.
Jude recently spoke to Deadline and touched upon his upcoming portrayal of Vladimir in the upcoming film and confirmed his involvement but said that the shooting has not yet begun. He also spoke about the burden that comes with playing a controversial figure like Vladimir Putin, as well as what it means to join a highly anticipated production like Assayas' upcoming film.
"I say this with hesitation because I haven't started working on it yet. I mean, I've started, but right now it feels like an Everest I have to climb, so I'm at the bottom looking up thinking, 'Oh my God, what did I say? I often feel like this while saying yes. I was like, "Oh my God, how am I going to do this?" But anyway, that's my job," he said.
The Kremlin Wizard was published in April 2022, two months after Russia's war in Ukraine began, making it a current bestseller. News of the film adaptation was announced at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024.
Along with Lowe, the film will also star Paul Dano in the lead role of Vadim Baranov. Other cast members include Alicia Vikander from Ex Machina, Zach Galifianakis from The Hangover and Tom Sturridge from The Hunger Games:The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
The film's production start date is unknown, meaning there is likely no set release date. The film is sure to attract festival and awards attention whenever it comes out due to the combination of a talented creative team, cast, and also because of its topicality. | BGNES
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