The Wizard of the Kremlin (2026): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
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.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 32m (152 min)
- Director
- Olivier Assayas
- Original language
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English
- Studio
- Curiosa Films
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
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.
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.
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Director Olivier Assayas
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Jude Law as Vladimir Putin - Alexander Johnson as Putin Secretary
- Anastasia Sutter as Putin friend
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Paul Dano as Vadim Baranov
Also Starring in The Wizard of the Kremlin
· 16 more- Jeffrey Wright Rowland
- Alicia Vikander Ksenia
- Tom Sturridge Dmitri Sidorov
- Will Keen Boris Berezovsky
- Matthew Baunsgard Larry
- Magne-Håvard Brekke Edouard Limonov
- Dan Cade Agent Johnson
- Marija Linarte Anastasia
- Tom J. Benedict Media-Most Executive 1
- Andrei Zayats Igor Sechine
- Emmanuel Carrère
- Andris Keiss Yevgeny Prigozhin
- Anton Lytvynov Restaurant patron
- Sergey Podymin Restorant guest, Theatre spectator, Lobby bar visitor, Russian army officer in the canteen
- Varvara Chekhs The Greeter
- Kaspars Kambala
More from Olivier Assayas
More films directed by Olivier Assayas, best-rated first: Carlos, Summer Hours, Clouds of Sils Maria and Irma Vep.
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).
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.
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Metacritic 56 Metascore
User score 5.5
See on Metacritic
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.
Worldwide gross
$8.6M
- US & Canada
- $652.3K
- International
- $7.9M
The Wizard of the Kremlin Trailers & Videos
6 videos: 3 trailers, 1 teaser and 2 featurettes.
- 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?
Articles About The Wizard of the Kremlin
Our article about The Wizard of the Kremlin: “The Wizard of the Kremlin (2026) Review & Critics Opinions – Reception, Fan Reactions, and Performance Analysis”.
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Opinions
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.
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