The first trailer for The Wizard of the Kremlin has been unveiled, offering a glimpse at the high-stakes drama to come when the film premieres in May 2026. Directed by Olivier Assayas, the upcoming movie features a star-studded cast, including Paul Dano, Alicia Vikander, Jude Law, and Jeffrey Wright, with Tom Sturridge and Will Keen also playing key roles.

Based on the fictionalized novel Le Mage du Kremlin by Giuliano da Empoli, the story delves into the turbulent world of post-Soviet Russia. Jude Law plays Vladimir Putin, a rising KGB officer who partners with Vadim Baranov, a master manipulator portrayed by Paul Dano. The narrative follows their calculated ascent to power, portraying the use of lies, corruption, and violence to seize control. What begins with betrayal and manipulation eventually escalates to assassinations, tyranny, and large-scale conflict, painting a dark picture of the world shaped by their rule.

The script for The Wizard of the Kremlin is co-written by Olivier Assayas and Emmanuel Carrère, adapting da Empoli’s acclaimed 2022 novel. The production is led by Olivier Delbosc of Curiosa Films and Sidonie Dumas of Gaumont, with co-production from France 2 Cinéma. Additionally, an extensive team of executive producers—including Alexandra Abrams, Justin Ardalan-Raikes, Sylvie Barthet, and others—contributes to the project.

With its ambitious scope and gripping subject matter, the film aims to explore themes of power and the moral complexities of political leadership in the fraught era following the collapse of the Soviet Union. The portrayal of prominent historical figures as both central characters and symbols of systemic dysfunction suggests a provocative, layered narrative that seeks to examine the human cost of unbridled ambition.

Assayas's direction, combined with the acclaimed performances expected from a cast of this caliber, primes The Wizard of the Kremlin as a major cinematic event. Paul Dano's reputation for embodying complex and often morally ambiguous roles, paired with Jude Law’s proven talent for portraying commanding personas, sets high expectations for the film’s depiction of its two central characters. Meanwhile, Alicia Vikander, known for her versatile and compelling performances, is poised to bring additional depth to the supporting cast, though specific details about her role have yet to be revealed.

The Wizard of the Kremlin is slated to open in North American theaters on May 15, 2026. As audiences prepare to witness this fictionalized story of power and manipulation, the trailer offers a first taste of the intense drama and intrigue that will define the film. Stay tuned for updates and more insights as the release date approaches.