Dmitry Lysenkov on Remakes, Fairy Tales and The Last Bogatyr

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Dmitry Lysenkov has a clear stance on remaking Soviet cinema. He sees little point in revisiting those films and notes that audiences vote with their wallets. Box office results show that many remake attempts falter, from military dramas with flashy cosmetic touches to tense comedies featuring well known KVN performers. He emphasizes that such projects rarely win over new viewers or satisfy longtime fans. [citation]

Beyond this, Lysenkov expressed a wish to appear in a fairy tale adaptation. He believes his legacy could take the form of mythic figures like Koschey the Deathless, the Leshy, and Baba Yaga, suggesting a shift toward fantasy that respects folklore while appealing to modern audiences. He envisions stories where magical beings and human drama blend in fresh, original ways rather than rehashing old titles. [citation]

During conversations about The Last Bogatyr, directed by Anton Maslov, Lysenkov explained that the role of Tsvyr would require prosthetic makeup for his character. After seeing the initial sketches, he chose not to accept the role. [citation]

Lysenkov added that the makeup would give the character a rat-like look, raising doubts that such a look would support a believable romantic arc with another lead. He believed the appearance could block genuine connection and misalign the audience with the hero’s emotional journey. [citation]

Earlier Lysenkov spoke about the production timeline of Streets of Broken Lanterns, describing the demanding schedule and the hurdles faced during filming. He indicated that the project demanded careful planning, stamina, and a clear creative direction to keep the story coherent across long shooting days. [citation]

Overall, Lysenkov remains drawn to original, mythic storytelling and shows skepticism about remakes of classic Soviet cinema. He is open to roles that fit his artistic vision, particularly in fantasy or folklore-inspired narratives that offer new perspectives while honoring cultural legends. [citation]

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