The Wizard of the Kremlin () is a 2025 English-language French political thriller dark comedy film directed by Olivier Assayas, who co-wrote the screenplay with Emmanuel Carrère. It is based on the 2022 novel of the same name by Giuliano da Empoli. It is a satire that follows the fictional character of Vadim Baranov (Paul Dano) during the final years of the Soviet Union and the turbulent start of the Russian Federation, while a young Vladimir Putin (Jude Law) rises to power. It also stars Alicia Vikander, Will Keen, Tom Sturridge and Jeffrey Wright.
The film had its world premiere in the main competition of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on 31 August 2025, where it was nominated for the Golden Lion.
Vadim Baranov morphs from a young artist in 1990s Russia into an influential government official and spin doctor at the heart of the government.
The film is directed by Olivier Assayas and is an adaptation by Assayas and Emmanuel Carrère of the novel The Wizard of the Kremlin by Giuliano da Empoli, published in French in April 2022. It is produced by Curiosa Films and Gaumont in co-production with France 2 Cinéma.
Paul Dano, Jude Law, Alicia Vikander, Zach Galifianakis and Tom Sturridge were reported to be leading the cast in May 2024 with Dano cast as the fictional Russian political advisor Vadim Baranov. In January 2025, it was announced that Law would portray Vladimir Putin. Filming took place in March 2025 in Riga, Latvia.
In February 2026, Vertical acquired North American rights to the film, and has set a 2026 release date.