EXCLUSIVE IMAGES: Actor Jude Law as Vladimir Putin spotted for the first time on a movie set

 The Enigmatic Transformation: Jude Law Becomes Vladimir Putin on the Set of The Wizard of the Kremlin

In the quiet streets of Riga, Latvia, a cinematic metamorphosis is unfolding. Under the crisp March sky of 2025, a figure strides purposefully across a cobblestone alley, his posture rigid, his gaze steely. To the untrained eye, this could be a local official or a stern businessman—but the cameras rolling nearby reveal the truth. This is Jude Law, the charismatic British actor, stepping into the boots of one of the modern world’s most polarizing figures: Vladimir Putin. For the first time, paparazzi lenses have captured Law on the set of The Wizard of the Kremlin, an ambitious film directed by Olivier Assayas that promises to peel back the layers of Putin’s early political ascent. What unfolds behind the scenes—and on the screen—may just redefine how we view both the actor and the enigmatic leader he portrays.

A Role Like No Other

Jude Law, now 52, is no stranger to complex characters. From the dashing Dickie Greenleaf in The Talented Mr. Ripley to the brooding Dumbledore in the Fantastic Beasts series, Law has built a career on versatility. Yet, embodying Vladimir Putin—a man whose name evokes intrigue, power, and controversy—marks a bold departure. This isn’t the Putin of today, the seasoned statesman steering Russia through turbulent decades. Instead, The Wizard of the Kremlin casts its spotlight on a younger Putin, a shadowy figure emerging from the chaos of post-Soviet Russia in the 1990s, when ambition and opportunity collided in a nation teetering on the edge of reinvention.

The film, adapted from Giuliano da Empoli’s 2022 novel Le Mage du Kremlin, isn’t a straightforward biopic. It weaves a fictional narrative around Vadim Baranov, a cunning television producer turned political strategist who shapes the rise of a certain Kremlin leader. Law’s Putin is a supporting role, but one that looms large—his presence a gravitational force in the story’s orbit. Early reports suggest the film will explore the psychological chess game of power, where loyalty is a currency and trust a luxury few can afford. For Law, this is a chance to sink his teeth into a character whose real-life counterpart remains an enigma, even after decades in the global spotlight.

From London to Leningrad: Crafting the Transformation

On March 25, 2025, Novaya Gazeta Europe published the first grainy snapshots of Law in character, sparking a frenzy across social media. Clad in a nondescript suit, his hair thinning and his features sharpened by prosthetics, Law’s resemblance to a young Putin is uncanny. The actor’s signature charm is buried beneath a mask of calculated restraint—a far cry from the romantic leads that once defined him. Insiders on the Riga set describe Law’s preparation as meticulous: he’s reportedly studied Putin’s mannerisms, from the subtle tilt of his head to the clipped cadence of his speech. Some whisper that he’s even consulted with Russian expatriates to capture the essence of a man forged in the crucible of the KGB.

This transformation isn’t just physical. Law has spoken in past interviews about his fascination with characters who wield power quietly, a trait Putin mastered early on. In a 1999 interview with The Guardian, Law mused, “The most dangerous people are the ones who don’t shout—they just act.” Now, 26 years later, he’s bringing that philosophy to life, channeling a Putin who doesn’t yet command armies or nations, but whose every move hints at the titan he will become.

The 1990s: A Stage Set for Power

To understand Law’s Putin, we must rewind to the 1990s—a decade of upheaval that birthed modern Russia. The Soviet Union had crumbled, leaving behind a vacuum of authority. Inflation soared to 2,500% in 1992, according to World Bank data, while oligarchs snatched up state assets and gangsters ruled the streets. Into this chaos stepped Vladimir Putin, a mid-level bureaucrat with a law degree and a 16-year stint in the KGB. By 1996, he’d landed in Moscow, working under President Boris Yeltsin’s administration. Three years later, he was prime minister; by 2000, president. His rise was meteoric, yet shrouded in mystery—a perfect canvas for The Wizard of the Kremlin.

The film’s setting captures this raw, unpolished Russia. Riga, with its Soviet-era architecture and labyrinthine streets, doubles as 1990s Moscow, offering a gritty backdrop to Putin’s ascent. Assayas, known for cerebral thrillers like Personal Shopper, reportedly aims to blend historical texture with fictional flair. Posts on X buzz with speculation: Will Law’s Putin be a cold pragmatist or a man wrestling with ambition’s cost? One thing is certain—this isn’t a hero’s tale, nor a villain’s. It’s a study in shades of gray.

A Global Spotlight on a Controversial Figure

Casting Jude Law as Putin has ignited debate. Some hail it as a stroke of genius—an actor of Law’s caliber tackling a figure who defies easy categorization. Others question whether a Western lens can truly capture Putin’s essence. In Russia, reactions are mixed. A January 2025 report from RT noted cautious curiosity, while independent outlets like Meduza speculated that the film might face a chilly reception—or outright ban—in Putin’s homeland. Globally, Putin remains a lightning rod: a 2023 Pew Research survey found that 68% of respondents in 18 countries viewed him unfavorably, yet his grip on power endures.

For Law, the role is a tightrope walk. He’s not just portraying a historical figure—he’s stepping into a geopolitical minefield. Yet, if anyone can pull it off, it’s him. His ability to humanize flawed characters could offer a fresh perspective on Putin’s early years, before the world knew him as the iron-fisted leader of today.

Behind the Scenes: A Cinematic Gamble

Olivier Assayas isn’t playing it safe either. The French director, now 70, has a knack for blending the personal and the political—think Carlos, his sprawling take on the infamous terrorist. With The Wizard of the Kremlin, he’s betting on a story that’s as timely as it is timeless. Filming began in early 2025, with no release date announced, but anticipation is building. The production’s secrecy only fuels the hype—aside from those Riga photos, little has leaked about Law’s performance or the film’s tone.

The stakes are high. Historical dramas often court controversy, especially when they tackle living figures. A 2022 Statista report found that 47% of moviegoers crave authenticity in biopics, while 33% prioritize entertainment over accuracy. Assayas and Law must strike that balance, delivering a Putin who’s neither caricature nor saint, but a man shaped by his time.

As Jude Law prowls the set, the world watches. Will The Wizard of the Kremlin unravel the myth of Putin’s beginnings, or will it cement his mystique? For Law, it’s a chance to redefine his legacy, proving he’s more than a heartthrob—he’s an actor who dares to dive into the abyss. For audiences, it’s a front-row seat to a pivotal moment, reimagined through the lens of fiction.

In the shadow of Riga’s spires, a story is taking shape—one that bridges past and present, reality and art. By the time the credits roll, we may not know Vladimir Putin any better. But Jude Law? He’s about to show us something unforgettable.