Jude Law has been spotted on the set of the much-anticipated film, Kremlin Rat, where he takes on the challenging role of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Filming in Riga, Latvia, images of the British actor in the guise of the controversial leader emerged on March 25, 2025, igniting a firestorm of reactions on social media.
Directed by French filmmaker Olivier Assayas, Kremlin Rat presents a narrative based on the novel by Giuliano da Empoli. The film explores the intertwining of art and politics through the character Vadim Baranov, who represents figures like Vladislav Surkov, a pivotal advisor to Putin. The storyline follows how Baranov, a former avant-garde artist-turned-television producer, navigates the treacherous waters of Russian power, blurring the lines between truth, lies, and state propaganda. "Working at the very heart of Russian power, Baranov mixes truth with lies, news with propaganda, running society like one big reality show," the film’s synopsis declares.
As news broke about Law’s casting, reactions varied dramatically among audiences in both Russia and the West. Many Russian social media users quickly took to platforms to express skepticism regarding Law’s physical resemblance to Putin, with comments ranging from outright skepticism to musings about the quality of the acting. One user, commenting on Law’s look in the character, quipped, "Somewhere Leonardo DiCaprio is crying..." in reference to the actor's own aspirations to portray the Russian president.
One user pointed out that while the resemblance may not be striking, it is the skill of the actor that ultimately matters. "Jude Law is definitely capable of portraying complex roles," noted Angelina Lunina, a supportive voice amid the sea of critics who felt Law did not embody the look of Putin effectively. Others drew comparisons to different figures, with suggestions that Law looked more like Polish President Andrzej Duda than Putin.
Not everyone was negative, though. Supporters of the film expressed their excitement at the prospect of Law's interpretation of such a complex character. "I hope they don’t ruin the script. Jude Law is a fantastic actor," wrote a user eager to see how the story unfolds.
In his own comments, Jude Law described his undertaking as akin to "climbing Everest," hinting at the challenges involved in capturing the essence of a political figure as polarizing as Putin. Meanwhile, the film’s director, Olivier Assayas, is hopeful about the film's potential to present a nuanced exploration of Russian politics through the eyes of an outsider.
While the film explores heavy themes inspired by real historical events and figures, it is critical to acknowledge the variance in public sentiment both domestically and abroad. Reactions include doubts about the film's authenticity and questions surrounding the portrayal of Putin. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov commented on the uncertainty, stating, "Who knows what the story is about?" as no official inquiries have been made regarding the film's content by Russian authorities.
Further polarization in audience reactions was heightened with critiques about the film’s narrative both from viewers in the West and from Russian critics in social media spaces. Some critics have expressed their disdain for what they presume to be a misrepresentation of a crucial historical moment. The film's synopsis hints at a strong political message, reflecting how media narratives can influence public perceptions, especially in today's politically charged climate.
Notably, Kremlin Rat, originally released as a novel that became a top-seller in France, won the Grand Prix of the French Academy. Its success indicates a keen interest in the subject matter despite the controversy surrounding its film adaptation. Although the release timeline remains uncertain, projections suggest that audiences may catch the film in theaters by late 2025 or even in 2026.
In summary, Law's portrayal of Putin is stirring both curiosity and apprehension, raising discussions about identity, representation, and the delicate balance filmmakers navigate when tackling real-life figures and their narratives. The blending of creative interpretation and historical reality continues to spark debate as audiences await the film's debut, keen to see how it reflects periods of Russian turbulence.
