Empire V Premiere in Russia Delayed, New Date TBA
The Russian debut of the film Empire V, adapted from Viktor Pelevin’s novel of the same name, will be postponed beyond the originally planned March deadline. The announcement came from the press service of the production company Volga, which handles the movie’s distribution and publicity in Russia.
Representatives from Volga stated that Empire V did not premiere in Russian cinemas on March 31 as earlier stated. A fresh release date will be announced at a later time, the company confirmed. The update reflects ongoing scheduling considerations and the coordination required for a wide national rollout, including marketing campaigns, distribution logistics, and regional release windows.
The adaptation features a notable ensemble cast that includes Pavel Tabakov, Miron Fedorov, Marina Zudina, Vladimir Dolinsky, and Fyodor Bondarchuk. These performers bring to life Pelevin’s complex world where ordinary life intersects with supernatural forces, a setting that promises a distinctive cinematic experience for audiences accustomed to Russian genre storytelling.
In terms of the narrative, Empire V follows the journey of Roman Shtorkin, a young man who discovers he has become a vampire. The story unfolds as he navigates a paradoxical bond with humanity, a tension that drives a larger-than-life conspiracy in which vampires exert control over human affairs. The premise invites viewers into a sinister landscape where immortal beings influence politics, culture, and everyday life, raising questions about power, identity, and the price of survival in a modern world.
Originally slated for a late 2021 premiere, the project saw its date shift to March 31 of a subsequent year as production timelines evolved. The postponement reflects the often fluid nature of large film productions, especially those adapting complex literary works with ambitious production design and extensive postproduction work. The film’s team has indicated they will share a new official release window once final scheduling aligns with studio plans, festival strategies, and the broader exhibition calendar in Russia and nearby markets.
Meanwhile, in cinema news from different corners of the industry, a separate report noted a different film moment in which a major studio trimmed a significant spoiler from a high profile release. The reference underscores how studios balance storytelling impact with viewer expectations when promoting blockbuster titles. As Empire V awaits its new date, industry conversations continue about how release timing and global coordination influence audience reception and box office performance across regional territories.