First Trailer for ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’ with Paul Dano & Jude Law
by Alex Billington
November 10, 2025
Source: YouTube
“What interests me is power.” Gaumont in France has revealed their first trailer for the film The Wizarrd of the Kremlin, an English-language feature film from French director Olivier Assayas. This premiered at the 2025 Venice Film Festival a few months ago, and it also stopped by the Toronto, San Sebastian, Busan, and Zurich Film Festivals as well. A young Russian artist becomes an unlikely advisor to Vladimir Putin as he rises to power in post-Soviet Russia, navigating the new era’s complexities and chaos. The film tells the story of Vadim Baranov, played with calm and cool by Paul Dano, a sharp young man who becomes the top propagandist and advisor to Vladimir Putin when he first takes power in Russia as President in 2000. It’s a remarkable inside look at how power dynamics, corruption and manipulation work within the top echelons of Russia’s government. Also starring Jude Law as Putin, Alicia Vikander as Ksenia, Jeffrey Wright, Tom Sturridge, Will Keen, and many others. I’ve seen this film and it’s particularly fascinating, showing how everything really is about power and control and manipulation. This trailer captures the vibe of the film and Dano’s story as it progresses through decades of time. But still no US release set yet! Take a look below.
Here’s the first official trailerr for Olivier Assayas’ film The Wizard of the Kremlin, from YouTube:
Russia, early 1990s. Amid post-Soviet chaos, a brilliant young man, Vadim Baranov (Paul Dano), charts his path. First an artist, then a reality TV producer, he becomes the spin doctor for a rising KGB agent: Vladimir Putin. At the heart of power, Baranov shapes the new Russia, blurring the boundaries between truth & lies, belief & manipulation. Only the magnetic Ksenia is beyond his control, tempting him away from this dangerous game. Years later, after retreating into silence and shrouded in mystery, Baranov finally opens up, revealing the dark secrets of the regime he helped build. The Wizard of the Kremlin, also known as Le mage du Kremlin in French, is directed by acclaimed French filmmaker Olivier Assayas, of the films Winter’s Child, Paris Awakens, Cold Water, Demonlover, Clean, Boarding Gate, Summer Hours, Something in the Air, Clouds of Sils Maria, Personal Shopper, Non-Fiction, Wasp Network, Suspended Time, and the “Irma Vep” series. The screenplay is written by Olivier Assayas & Emmanuel Carrère; adapted from the book of the same name by Giuliano Da Empoli. Produced by Olivier Delbosc & Sidonie Dumas; Curiosa Films & Gaumont. This initially premiered at the 2025 Venice Film Festival earlier this fall. The film opens first in France starting January 2026 coming soon. No US release date has been set yet – stay tuned.
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