The Wizard of the Kremlin 2026
Olivier Assayas' *The Wizard of the Kremlin (2026)* immerses viewers in the turbulent early 1990s Russia, where ambition and chaos collide in the rise of a new power elite.
Director: Olivier Assayas
Cast
Paul Dano
Vadim Baranov
Jude Law
Vladimir Putin
Alicia Vikander
Ksenia
Tom Sturridge
Dmitri Sidorov
Will Keen
Boris Berezovsky
Jeffrey Wright
Rowland
Andris Keišs
Yevgeny Prigozhin
Magne-Håvard Brekke
Eduard Limonov
Matthew Baunsgard
Larry
Anton Lytvynov
Restaurant patron
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *The Wizard of the Kremlin (2026)* about?
*The Wizard of the Kremlin* follows Vadim Baranov, a brilliant young strategist who shifts from art to propaganda during Russia's chaotic 1990s. His journey takes him from shaping narratives for a rising KGB figure to becoming a master of spin in a world where truth is negotiable. But his alliance with power tests his loyalty and sanity, especially when an alluring outsider enters his orbit.
Who directed *The Wizard of the Kremlin*?
The film is directed by Olivier Assayas, known for his sharp, character-driven dramas like *Cold War* and *Personal Shopper*.
Who stars in *The Wizard of the Kremlin*?
The cast includes Paul Dano as Vadim Baranov, Jude Law as the enigmatic rising leader, alongside Alicia Vikander, Tom Sturridge, and Jeffrey Wright in key roles.
Is *The Wizard of the Kremlin (2026)* worth watching?
With Olivier Assayas at the helm and a cast led by Dano and Law, *The Wizard of the Kremlin* looks set to deliver a gripping drama steeped in political intrigue. Its themes of manipulation and moral decay resonate in today's media landscape, making it a compelling watch for fans of character-driven thrillers.
How long is *The Wizard of the Kremlin*?
The runtime is 156 minutes, offering ample time for Assayas' intricate storytelling and character development.
🎥 Trailer
About The Wizard of the Kremlin (2026) — A chilling tale of power, media, and the rise of a modern strongman
Olivier Assayas' *The Wizard of the Kremlin (2026)* immerses viewers in the turbulent early 1990s Russia, where ambition and chaos collide in the rise of a new power elite. At its center is Vadim Baranov, a cunning young visionary who pivots from artistry to propaganda, crafting narratives for a KGB operative destined for greatness—Vladimir Putin. As Baranov navigates the murky waters of politics and media manipulation, he blurs the line between fact and fiction, wielding influence that could reshape a nation. Yet, his calculated world unravels when he encounters Ksenia, a magnetic figure who challenges his control, pulling him toward reckless desire and moral ambiguity.
Set against a backdrop of post-Soviet instability, the film explores themes of power, truth, and seduction, all wrapped in a psychological thriller's tension. Assayas' direction, paired with powerhouse performances from Paul Dano and Jude Law, crafts a gripping tale of manipulation and consequence. With rich atmosphere and sharp dialogue, *The Wizard of the Kremlin* promises a thought-provoking dive into the mechanics of influence and the cost of playing with reality.
