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The Wizard of the Kremlin Faces Pushback on Casting as Reviews Divide

A May 15 release looms, with debate over language choices shaping expectations.

Overview

  • Trailers released after the Venice premiere show Jude Law as Vladimir Putin and drew criticism of English-only dialogue and non-Russian accents.
  • Review tallies hover near 50 percent, pairing praise for Law’s transformation with doubts about the film’s tone and balance.
  • The Observer’s new review calls Law riveting yet underused and faults Paul Dano’s stylized voice for undercutting the drama.
  • Olivier Assayas directs the English-language adaptation of Giuliano da Empoli’s 2022 novel, told through fictional Kremlin adviser Vadim Baranov.
  • The film is slated for a worldwide theatrical launch on May 15, keeping attention on casting choices and how satire is delivered in English.