The Wizard of the Kremlin

The Wizard of the Kremlin (French: Le Mage du Kremlin) is a 2025 political thriller dark comedy film directed by Olivier Assayas, who co-wrote the screenplay with Emmanuel Carrère. It is based on the 2022 novel of the same name by Giuliano da Empoli. It is a satire that follows the fictional character of Vadim Baranov (Paul Dano) during the final years of the Soviet Union and the turbulent start of the Russian Federation, while a young Vladimir Putin (Jude Law) rises to power. It also stars Alicia Vikander, Will Keen, Tom Sturridge and Jeffrey Wright. The film had its world premiere in the main competition of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on 31 August 2025, where it was nominated for the Golden Lion.