Jude Law 2026: Putin Role, Family Controversy, and Upcoming Projects
Jude Law has been making headlines in 2026 for a variety of reasons—from one of his most challenging acting roles yet to an unexpected family controversy involving pop star Chappell Roan. The two-time Oscar nominee remains one of the most versatile and respected actors of his generation, and this year is proving to be no exception.
Here is everything you need to know about Jude Law’s latest projects, the surprising hotel incident involving his daughter, and what lies ahead for the British actor.
Jude Law to Play Vladimir Putin in ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’
Perhaps the most significant news for Jude Law in 2026 is his upcoming role as Russian President Vladimir Putin in director Olivier Assayas’ new film, The Wizard of the Kremlin .
Law confirmed the casting in a recent interview, revealing that the project is based on Giuliano da Empoli’s novel of the same name. The actor was characteristically candid about the daunting nature of the role, admitting he is feeling the weight of the responsibility.
“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?'” Law told Deadline. “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” .
The original Wizard of the Kremlin book, published in 2022, tells the story of Vadim Baranov, a reality show producer who became a key advisor to Putin. The novel offers a fictionalized account of the rise of the Russian leader through the eyes of a close insider. For Law, taking on the role of one of the world’s most controversial political figures represents the kind of bold career choice that has defined his filmography.
‘The Order’: True Crime Thriller Tackles White Supremacy
Before audiences see Law as Putin, they will see him as an FBI agent hunting domestic terrorists. The Order, directed by Australian filmmaker Justin Kurzel (Macbeth, Snowtown), is set for theatrical release later in 2026 after being acquired by Vertical .
The film is a fact-based crime thriller set in the 1980s, following an FBI agent (Law) investigating a white supremacist group called The Order. The organization was responsible for a string of increasingly violent robberies, counterfeiting operations, and armored car heists throughout the Pacific Northwest .
Law stars alongside Nicholas Hoult (X-Men franchise), Tye Sheridan (The Card Counter), and Jurnee Smollett (Birds of Prey). The screenplay was written by Oscar-nominated Zach Baylin (King Richard) and adapts Kevin Flynn and Gary Gerhardt’s nonfiction book The Silent Brotherhood .
During a SAG-AFTRA screening in Los Angeles, Law discussed the film’s contemporary resonance. Despite being set in the 1980s, the themes of extremism and domestic terrorism remain painfully relevant today. Law, who also serves as a producer on the project, noted that the film shows the “origin of where we are now” .
Star Wars: ‘Skeleton Crew’ Arrives on Disney+
For fans of the Star Wars universe, Jude Law’s involvement in Skeleton Crew has been one of the most anticipated developments in recent years. The Disney+ series, created by Spider-Man: Homecoming director Jon Watts and Chris Ford, is set in the same post-Return of the Jedi timeline as The Mandalorian and Ahsoka .
Law stars as Jod Na Nawood, a mysterious character widely believed to be a Jedi—or at least Force-sensitive. The show follows a group of children who find themselves lost in the galaxy and must find their way home, with Nawood serving as a complex guide figure .
Law has spoken about the responsibility of joining the Star Wars franchise, telling Variety that he didn’t take the decision lightly.
“I don’t think I would have dived in willy-nilly,” Law said. “I wanted it to be right. I didn’t want to be the guy that dropped the ball on ‘Star Wars'” .
He also noted the unique production requirements of the galaxy far, far away: “It all has to go through the ‘Star Wars’ filter. Like, there are no buttons in ‘Star Wars’—only ties. Buckles? Yes. Velcro? Yes” .
Skeleton Crew premiered on Disney+ in December 2025 and has continued to draw viewers throughout early 2026.
The Chappell Roan Controversy: A Family Incident
In a completely unexpected turn, Jude Law found himself at the center of a pop culture controversy in March 2026—not because of anything he did, but because of an incident involving his 11-year-old daughter, Ada Law .
The incident occurred at a São Paulo hotel during the Lollapalooza Brasil music festival. Brazilian footballer Jorginho Frello, who is married to Ada’s mother Catherine Harding (Law’s ex-wife), took to Instagram to accuse pop star Chappell Roan’s security team of aggressive conduct toward the child .
According to Jorginho’s account, Ada had spotted Roan at breakfast and merely looked to confirm the singer’s presence, smiling in recognition. A security guard allegedly misinterpreted the child’s excitement as harassment and threatened to file a complaint, leaving Ada in tears .
The controversy quickly escalated, with the mayor of Rio de Janeiro reportedly barring Roan from performing at a future city-sponsored event in response .
Roan’s Apology
Chappell Roan responded to the allegations on her Instagram Story, apologizing directly to Ada Law and her family. She insisted she had not instructed any security guard to approach them.
“I didn’t even see. I didn’t even see a woman and a child. No one came up to me, no one bothered me,” Roan explained. “I did not ask the security guard to go up and talk to this mother and child. I did not” .
She continued: “I do not hate people who are fans of my music. I do not hate children, like that is crazy. I am sorry to the mother and child that someone was assuming something. If you felt uncomfortable that makes me really sad. You did not deserve that” .
The apology came hours after Roan publicly thanked her security team during her Lollapalooza Brasil performance, though it remains unclear whether she was aware of the allegations at the time .
Neither Jude Law nor his representatives have publicly commented on the incident.
Developing a Mike Nichols-Inspired Project
Beyond his upcoming acting roles, Law is also busy developing new projects behind the camera. He recently revealed in an interview with Vanity Fair that he is working on a film with Challengers screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes .
The project is inspired by the work of legendary director Mike Nichols, who directed Law in the 2004 romantic drama Closer. Law explained that the common bond between him and Kuritzkes was their shared admiration for Nichols’ approach to filmmaking.
“I’m developing a project with Justin Kuritzkes, who just wrote ‘Challengers,'” Law said. “The thing that bonded us was Mike Nichols. I said, ‘I think this is a Mike Nichols film.’ He was like, ‘Well, you would know.’ He felt the same when he went into ‘Challengers'” .
Law teased that the project would feature a “sexual-social intercourse” element, similar to the tense dynamics in Challengers and Nichols’ classic works .
Reflecting on Past Roles: MCU and ‘Fantastic Beasts’
As Law prepares for new challenges, he has also taken time to reflect on some of his recent franchise work. In an interview promoting Skeleton Crew, Law discussed his role as Yon-Rogg in Captain Marvel (2019) and the status of the Fantastic Beasts franchise .
Regarding Fantastic Beasts, Law noted that the series has been placed “on hold” following the mixed reception to the third installment. He played a younger Albus Dumbledore in the franchise, a role he took over from Richard Harris and Michael Gambon’s iconic portrayal in the original Harry Potter films .
Jude Law in 2026: A Career Snapshot
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 53 (born December 29, 1972) |
| Notable 2026 Projects | Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, The Order, The Wizard of the Kremlin |
| Upcoming Role | Vladimir Putin in The Wizard of the Kremlin |
| Recent Release | The Order (theatrical release 2026) |
| Streaming Release | Star Wars: Skeleton Crew (Disney+, ongoing) |
| In Development | Mike Nichols-inspired film with Justin Kuritzkes |
| Oscar Nominations | 2 (The Talented Mr. Ripley, Cold Mountain) |
What’s Next for Jude Law?
The coming months promise to be busy for Law. With The Order awaiting wide theatrical release and The Wizard of the Kremlin generating significant buzz, audiences will see two very different sides of the actor—first as a law enforcement agent hunting domestic terrorists, then as the Russian leader who has dominated global headlines for decades.
Meanwhile, Skeleton Crew continues to draw viewers on Disney+, introducing Law to a new generation of Star Wars fans. The series represents his first major foray into the franchise, and early response to his character Jod Na Nawood has been positive .
Behind the scenes, the Mike Nichols-inspired project with Justin Kuritzkes is taking shape, potentially adding another producing credit to Law’s growing resume .
The Last Word
At 53, Jude Law shows no signs of slowing down. From the Marvel Cinematic Universe to Star Wars, from true crime thrillers to playing Vladimir Putin, he continues to take on challenging roles that push him beyond his comfort zone.
The recent family controversy involving his daughter Ada was an unexpected moment in the spotlight, but one that appears to have been resolved with Chappell Roan’s apology. For Law, the focus remains on his work—and 2026 is shaping up to be one of his most fascinating years yet.
Whether he’s hunting white supremacists in The Order, navigating the galaxy in Skeleton Crew, or transforming into Putin for The Wizard of the Kremlin, Jude Law remains one of the most compelling actors of his generation.