Paul Dano to Star in ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’ Political Thriller

Paul Dano’s new project is a political thriller with a talented star cast. According to Variety, Paul Dano, Alicia Vikander, Jude Law, Zach Galifianakis, and Tom Surridge are all set to star in “The Wizard of the Kremlin.”

Oliver Assayas will direct the project. The French filmmaker has previously directed eight episodes of Irma Vep, Wasp Network, and Non-Fiction. The film is based on Giuliano da Empoli’s best-selling novel of the same name. Reportedly, “The Wizard of the Kremlin” will be translated into more than 30 languages.

Assayas, an acclaimed screenwriter, will also co-write the film with Emmanuel Carrère. Carrère currently has a tight schedule as his original novel, Limonov, is being adapted into an upcoming film titled Limonov: The Ballad of Eddie, which is set to premiere soon at the Cannes Film Festival.

“The Wizard of the Kremlin” is set in Russia in the early 1990s and focuses on the downfall of the USSR. The film will tell the story of Putin’s rise through Baranov’s eyes, revealing the dark secrets and hidden agendas of the man he helped ascend to power. Dano will play Vadim Baranov, a young artist-turned-TV producer who becomes Vladimir Putin’s spin doctor.

Who, besides Paul Dano, is attached to the project “The Wizard of the Kremlin”?

As aforementioned, the cast members of “The Wizard of the Kremlin” include Paul Dano, Alicia Vikander, Jude Law, Zach Galifianakis, and Tom Surridge. But what are they currently doing?

Dano is an acclaimed Hollywood actor who is currently riding high on his success after earning an Emmy nomination for his role in “Escape at Dannemora” in 2019. He recently appeared in the comedy-drama film “Dumb Monkey.” The versatile actor also played the villainous role in the 2022 film “The Batman,” directed by Matt Reeves.

Meanwhile, Jude Law has also been busy of late, starring as Yon-Rogg in the MCU in both 2019’s “Captain Marvel” and the animated series “What If…?,” and will make his debut in a Galaxy Far, Far Away in “Star Wars: The Skeleton Crew,” which is set to release this Christmas.

As for Vikander, she has been working in Hollywood for more than two decades, but her breakout performance came in 2014 with Alex Garland’s “Ex Machina.”

Galifianakis is best known for his role in “The Hangover” movies. Surridge recently starred as Dream in “The Sandman for Netflix.

As for “The Wizard of the Kremlin,” it does not have an official release date yet.