Jude Law looks unrecognisable as he transforms into Russian President Vladimir Putin for an upcoming film.
The Holiday actor, 52, has been snapped dressed as the Russian president, with impressive hair and make-up to mimic Putin’s image, and wearing a tailored suit as he shot scenes with his co-stars.
A first-look photo from The Wizard of The Kremlin shows Law as Putin alongside Dano, who stars as political strategist Vadim Baranov.
Fans have been left stunned by the transformation, with many ‘barely recognising’ Law underneath his costume.
‘Jude Law as Putin is the casting twist I didn’t see coming 👀 This might be the most talked-about political biopic of the year,’ Ankit Singh wrote on X.
‘Jude Law as Putin… that’s some casting chaos to match the post-Soviet one,’ Vikas Sharma added.
Alphaglitchgirl said: ‘thats wilddddd, doesnt even look like Jude.’
Director Olivier Assayas told Variety that Law ‘completely transformed and reinvented’ Putin for The Wizard of The Kremlin, which premieres at Venice Film Festival this week.
What is The Wizard of The Kremlin about?
The Wizard of The Kremlin is based on political strategist Vadim Baranov, who becomes an advisor to Russia’s future president, Putin.
Law stars in the film as Putin, while Baranov is played by There Will Be Blood’s Paul Dano.
It premieres this week at the Venice Film Festival, with an official synopsis reading: ‘Working at the heart of Russian power, Baranov blurs truth with lies, the news with propaganda, directing the entire society like one great reality show.
‘Only his love for the magnetic, free-minded Ksenia can turn him away from this dangerous game. The Wizard of the Kremlin sets out to tell Baranov’s story, and through his eyes, tell the dark secrets of the regime he helped build.’
The Wizard of The Kremlin is directed by Olivier Assayas and adapted from Giuliano da Empoli’s 2022 book of the same name.
While based on real events, Assayas said that some parts are fictionalised for the purpose of storytelling, such as the character Ksenia played by Alicia Vikander.
Speaking to Variety, Assayas explained: ‘We didn’t compromise on truthfulness and accuracy because it was proof-read and validated by historians who know far more than I do about this period.’
He went on to say they spoke to historians, journalists, and political figures who witnessed the events of the film to ensure accuracy.
What has Jude Law said about playing Vladimir Putin?
Law previously said in a conversation with Deadline that the role was like ‘Everest to climb.’
‘I say that hesitatingly because I haven’t really started work on it yet,’ he continued.
‘I mean, I have, but at the moment it looks like an Everest to climb, so I’m in the foothills looking up thinking, “Oh Christ, what have I said?” That’s often how I feel whilst I say yes.
‘I was going, “Oh God, how am I going to do this?” But anyway, that’s for me to sort out.’
He added: ‘added that he feels more challenged in his career than he did in the earlier stages when he appeared in films such as The Talented Mr Ripley, Alfie, and Sherlock Holmes.
‘What I love now is being offered or challenged or being able to develop roles that take me further from myself than ever before, whether it’s physically or emotionally,’ he said. ‘And that seems to be readily available as I get older.’
Speaking to Variety, Assayas praised Law and Dano for the level of research they put into their roles.
He said Law ‘completely transformed and reinvented (Putin) and made him very believable.’
Assayas said Law was ‘intimidated’ by the role and approached Giuliano and ‘watched a lot of news reels’ to inform his character.
What has Vladimir Putin said about the film?
Baku.ws reports that the presidential administration was not contacted for consultation or approvals for The Wizard of The Kremlin.
Presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov reportedly told the publication: ‘Before drawing conclusions, one needs to watch it first.’
At a press briefing, he added (per TASS): ‘It should be treated normally, with understanding. Putin is one of the most experienced and successful leaders in the world.
‘He is a world leader whose influence on world affairs cannot be overestimated. This is why, the interest in him in various countries around the globe is quite natural.’
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.