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The Hollywood hunk who has been cast as a Vladimir Putin was pictured in character for the first time as filming on a movie about his early years in politics kicks off.
The film, which is called The Wizard of the Kremlin, is based on political strategist Vadim Baranov, who becomes an advisor to Russia’s future president, Putin.
Jude Law, 52, has been cast as Putin and was spotted shooting the upcoming biopic this week as filming gets underway in Latvia.
The actor was dressed as the Russian president, sporting hair and make-up to mimic the politician’s image as he shot scenes with his co-stars.
Law, who was sporting a two-piece suit with a white shirt, could be seen chatting to another member of the cast who was stood close by.
The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Giuliano da Empoli and focuses on the rise of an authoritarian regime.
The Hollywood hunk who has been cast as a Vladimir Putin was pictured in character for the first time as filming on a movie about his early years in politics kicks off
Jude Law, 52, has been cast as Putin and was spotted shooting the upcoming biopic this week as filming gets underway in Latvia (Putin pictured in 1999)
The filmed, which is called The Wizard of the Kremlin, is based on political strategist Vadim Baranov, who becomes an advisor to Russia’s future president, Putin
Law’s co-stars include Tom Sturridge, Paul Dano and Zach Galifianakis.
He is also set to reunite with Alicia Vikander after the actors most recently starred together in Firebrand, which was released last year.
The story begins in 1990s Russia following the collapse of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) in a new world ‘promising freedom.
A young artist-turned-TV producer, Vadim Baranov, unexpectedly becomes the spin doctor of a promising member of the ex-KGB, Vladimir Putin.
According to the synopsis of the film, ‘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.’
Dano, who has previously appeared in There Will Be Blood and Love and Mercy, has been cast as Baranov.
The book’s author, Giuliano da Empoli, worked as a senior adviser to Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi. According several experts, the prototype of the hero of the book was the Russian official, Vladislav Surkov.
The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Giuliano da Empoli and focuses on the rise of an authoritarian regime (Putin pictured in 2000)
The story begins in 1990s Russia following the collapse of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) in a new world ‘promising freedom (Law pictured in February)
According to Variety, the Kremlin were aware that the film was in production but they have not been asked for advice, they claim they were told by press secretary of the head of the Russian state, Dmitry Peskov.
The film, which is going to be translated into 30 languages, is being produced by Olivier Delbosc’s banner Curiosa Films and Gaumont.
The Wizard of the Kremlin is co-written by Assayas and Emmanuel Carrère.
