Los Angeles, CA (March 31, 2026) — On the evening of March 27, Pierce Capital Entertainment hosted a VIP screening and reception at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), followed by an intimate afterparty at Casa Dani in Century City, celebrating the upcoming release of The Wizard of the Kremlin.
The evening centered around a special pre-release screening of the much-anticipated political thriller, led by a powerhouse ensemble including Paul Dano, Jude Law, Alicia Vikander, Tom Sturridge, and Jeffrey Wright.
A Packed Room of Industry Players
Among those in attendance were filmmaker and executive producer Thomas Pierce, actor Luis del Toro, Andrei Zayats (The Wizard of the Kremlin), executive producer Max Kondziolka, Efren Ramirez, Nicky Whelan, Nolan Funk, producer Larry Kasanoff (Mortal Kombat), Oscar-winning producer Lawrence Bender (An Inconvenient Truth), E! founder Larry Namer, and Oscar-winning producer Daniel Drefuss (All Quiet on the Western Front), alongside a wide range of film, television, and media figures.
The screening drew a mix of established names and emerging voices, underscoring the industry curiosity surrounding the film ahead of its U.S. release.
From Screening Room to Afterparty at Casa Dani
Following the screening, guests headed to Casa Dani — the acclaimed Spanish restaurant from three-Michelin-star chef Dani García and Sam Nazarian — where the evening continued with a stylish, high-energy afterparty. DJ Pedro kept the momentum going late into the night.
Guests were treated to an elevated culinary spread featuring Spanish tapas, curated wines from The French Vine, and specialty mezcal cocktails courtesy of Zomoz Mezcal. Death Before Decaf added a standout touch with its espresso martinis, crafted from its signature ready-to-drink cold brew.
A Political Thriller Generating Early Buzz
Directed by Olivier Assayas and co-written with Emmanuel Carrère, The Wizard of the Kremlin is a 2025 English-language French political thriller with dark comedic undertones, adapted from Giuliano da Empoli’s bestselling novel.
The story follows Vadim Baranov (Paul Dano), a former artist who becomes a powerful political strategist during the collapse of the Soviet Union and the rise of Vladimir Putin, portrayed by Jude Law.
The film premiered in competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, where it earned a 12-minute standing ovation and a nomination for the Golden Lion. It later screened as a Gala Presentation at the Toronto International Film Festival and is set for a nationwide theatrical release on May 15 via Vertical, following a strong European box office run.
Watch the trailer for WIZARD OF THE KREMLIN
