EXCLUSIVE: Vertical has acquired North American rights to The Wizard of the Kremlin, the political thriller starring Paul Dano (The Fabelmans), Alicia Vikander (The Assessment), and Jude Law (The Order), from Venice and Cannes prize-winner Olivier Assayas (Irma Vep).
After making its world premiere in the main competition of the 82nd Venice Film Festival and going on to play TIFF, the film will be released in theaters later this year.
Based on the fictionalized novel Le Mage du Kremlin by Giuliano da Empoli, The Wizard of the Kremlin is set in early 1990s Russia. Amid post-Soviet chaos, a brilliant young man, Vadim Baranov (Dano), charts his path. First an artist, then a reality TV producer, he then becomes the spin doctor to a rising KGB agent: Vladimir Putin (Law). At the heart of power, Baranov shapes the new Russia, blurring the boundaries between truth and lies, belief and manipulation. Only the magnetic Ksenia (Vikander) is beyond his control, tempting him away from this dangerous game. Years later, after retreating into silence and shrouded in mystery, Baranov finally opens up, revealing the dark secrets of the regime he helped build.
Written by Assayas and Emmanuel Carrère (Between Two Worlds), the film also stars Tom Sturridge (The Sandman), Will Keen (Wolf Hall), and Jeffrey Wright (American Fiction).
“The Wizard of the Kremlin has been one of my most ambitious and most exciting projects. A political thriller and an epic, served by a dream cast. The shoot was an adventure, a challenge… and a joy,” Assayas told us. “I am thrilled to team up with Vertical, and I can’t wait for North American audiences to discover the film in theaters.”
Said Vertical Partner Peter Jarowey, “Olivier is an exceptional filmmaker who has crafted a remarkable film, offering a rare and compelling glimpse behind the Iron Curtain. With a standout cast led by Paul and Jude, we’re excited to bring the film to North American audiences later this year.”
The Wizard of the Kremlin was produced by Olivier Delbosc for Curiosa Films, Sidonie Dumas for Gaumont, co-produced by France 2 Cinéma, and executive produced by Alexandra Abrams, Justin Ardalan-Raikes, Sylvie Barthet, Niraj Bhatia, Lee Broda, Patrick Doherty, Max Kondziolka, Stuart Manashil, Joel Michaely, Michael Paletta, Thomas Pierce, Jeff Rice, Dean Sansovich, Theodore Shivdasani, Hugh Strange, and Scott Weber.
Jarowey and SVP of Acquisitions Tony Piantedosi negotiated the deal on behalf of Vertical, with CAA Media Finance and Gaumont negotiating on behalf of the filmmakers.
English (US) ·