Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Drama thriller

The Wizard of the Kremlin (2026): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

The Wizard of the Kremlin (2026) movie poster

The Wizard of the Kremlin is a 2026 drama thriller directed by Olivier Assayas, starring Jude Law as Vladimir Putin, Alexander Johnson and Anastasia Sutter. It is based on The Wizard of the Kremlin by Giuliano da Empoli and Willard Wood. It runs 2 hours 32 minutes and earned $8.6 million worldwide. Critics gave it 56 on Metacritic.

worldwide gross
$8.6M
Echo Score
46
Metascore
56
Loading streaming availability…
The Wizard of the Kremlin (2026) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 32m (152 min)
Director
Olivier Assayas
Genres
Drama , History , Thriller
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Wizard of the Kremlin About?

The premise of The Wizard of the Kremlin without spoilers, adapted from The Wizard of the Kremlin by Giuliano da Empoli and Willard Wood.

In post‑Soviet chaos, ambitious KGB officer Vladimir Putin (Jude Law) allies with the cunning schemer Vadim Baranov (Paul Dano). Together they exploit violence, deception and corruption to reshape life behind the Iron Curtain, engineering assassinations and betrayals that thrust Russia into a new, ruthless era of power.

Loading streaming availability…
Cast & crew

The Wizard of the Kremlin Cast & Characters

Jude Law leads the cast as Vladimir Putin, with Alexander Johnson as Putin Secretary and Anastasia Sutter as Putin friend. Directed by Olivier Assayas; 20 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The Wizard of the Kremlin

· 16 more
From the director

More from Olivier Assayas

More films directed by Olivier Assayas, best-rated first: Carlos, Summer Hours, Clouds of Sils Maria and Irma Vep.

Full filmography
Ratings

The Wizard of the Kremlin Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Wizard of the Kremlin 56 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 46/100, strongest in character & emotion (55) and weakest in art & craft (38).

46 /100

The Wizard of the Kremlin Echo Score Breakdown

The Wizard of the Kremlin lands in a mixed terrain of ambition and uneven execution. Critics praise its thematic relevance and occasional stylistic restraint, while many note clumsy structure, excessive length, and a lack of visual imagination. User reactions echo this split, with some admiring its realism and performances, but a majority finding the pacing sluggish and the narrative meandering. Consequently, the film offers intriguing ideas but struggles to sustain engagement, resulting in a modest overall reception.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 38

    In terms of art and craft, the film shows flashes of subtle visual control but is frequently hampered by uneven editing and a sprawling runtime. Critics highlight a stitched‑together presentation and a need for tighter pacing, and several users call for stronger editorial discipline. While a few reviewers note a subdued stylistic tone, the prevailing impression is that the technical execution falls short of the material’s potential.

  • Character & Emotion 55

    When it comes to character and emotion, performances provide the most consistent merit. Jude Law’s portrayal of Putin receives repeated commendation, and Paul Dano’s work is acknowledged as a highlight by several viewers. Nonetheless, critics and users alike point to a peripheral cast that lacks depth and to a protagonist whose narrative arc feels under‑developed. The mixed feedback places the character work in a moderate range, buoyed by strong leads but weakened by supporting roles.

  • Story & Flow 45

    The story and flow suffer from a fragmented structure and uneven pacing. Reviewers criticize the over‑reliance on interview framing, repetitive flashbacks, and a talk‑heavy script that stalls momentum. User commentary frequently mentions difficulty following the plot and moments of boredom. A handful of opinions note an engaging political premise, yet the dominant sentiment reflects a narrative that struggles to maintain coherence and sustained interest.

  • Sensory Experience 50

    Sensory experience receives a neutral assessment, with limited specific commentary on sound or visual design. Some critics note a deliberately subdued volume that creates a restrained atmosphere, while others observe an overall lack of striking audiovisual innovation. User remarks are scarce on this front, leaving the sensory dimension appearing adequate but unremarkable, resulting in a middle‑of‑the‑road score.

  • Rewatch Factor 40

    Rewatch factor appears low, as many viewers describe the film as a snoozer or overly long, reducing its appeal for repeat viewings. Critics point to a tedious structure that hinders lasting impact, and several users indicate they would not seek a second viewing. While a small segment appreciates the historical insight enough for a single watch, the overall consensus suggests limited replay value.

Box office

The Wizard of the Kremlin Box Office

The Wizard of the Kremlin grossed $8.6 million worldwide. $652,300 came from the US and Canada and $7.9 million (92%) from the rest of the world.

2026 box office

Worldwide gross

$8.6M

US & Canada
$652.3K
International
$7.9M
US & Canada 8% Rest of the world 92%
Videos

The Wizard of the Kremlin Trailers & Videos

6 videos: 3 trailers, 1 teaser and 2 featurettes.

All 6 videos
Trailer
  • Trailer UK Trailer
  • Trailer Official Trailer
  • Teaser Exclusively In Cinemas April 17
  • Featurette Olivier Assayas on 'The Wizard of the Kremlin' [Subtitled]

Seen The Wizard of the Kremlin?

FAQ

The Wizard of the Kremlin FAQ: Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, the book behind it and post-credit scenes of The Wizard of the Kremlin, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Wizard of the Kremlin?

The Wizard of the Kremlin runs 2 hours 32 minutes (152 minutes).

When was The Wizard of the Kremlin released?

The Wizard of the Kremlin was released on May 15, 2026.

Who directed The Wizard of the Kremlin?

The Wizard of the Kremlin was directed by Olivier Assayas.

More films by Olivier Assayas

Who is in the cast of The Wizard of the Kremlin?

The Wizard of the Kremlin stars Jude Law as Vladimir Putin, Alexander Johnson as Putin Secretary and Anastasia Sutter as Putin friend, among 20 credited actors.

How much did The Wizard of the Kremlin make at the box office?

The Wizard of the Kremlin grossed $8.6 million worldwide ($652,300 domestic, $7.9 million international).

How is The Wizard of the Kremlin rated?

The Wizard of the Kremlin has 56 on Metacritic.

Is The Wizard of the Kremlin based on a book?

Yes. The Wizard of the Kremlin is adapted from The Wizard of the Kremlin by Giuliano da Empoli and Willard Wood.

Does The Wizard of the Kremlin have a post-credit scene?

No. The Wizard of the Kremlin has no extra scene during or after the credits.

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app