The project surrounding the planned Vladimir Zhirinovsky biopic has entered a stage where conversations about casting and production logistics are only just beginning. Alexander Baranov, who serves as the director for what is described as the forthcoming film, pointed out that no casting decisions have been finalized yet. While discussions about filming are not underway, there is no official confirmation that the project will indeed move forward, and the main role remains unassigned for the moment. Baranov noted that actor Nikita Kologrivoy has not been approved for the lead character, and he remains in preliminary talks with the production entity known as NSN as part of broader conversations about potential casting and development. Baranov made it clear that the film’s fate is still uncertain and stressed that the focus at present is on exploring feasibility rather than committing to a shoot date or a full-scale production plan.
In Baranov’s view, there has been substantial speculation, but the actual casting announcements have not occurred. He emphasized that any claim about who might be cast should be treated as premature because there is no concrete progress toward filmmaking at this stage. The director described as implausible the notion that Kologrivoy has been dismissed from consideration merely because a decision on the project has not yet been reached. He also pointed out that there has been no formal dialogue about producing scenes or commencing a shoot; instead, the discussions have primarily revolved around the concept and potential direction of the biopic.
Baranov underscored that there are many factors and possibilities associated with Kologrivoy that go beyond headlines. He observed that the press seems to focus on the issue for reasons that are unclear to him, noting that he has not personally met the actor, which makes it difficult to assess any reports about the actor’s status in the project. The director’s remark hints at a broader pattern in show business reporting, where rumors can outpace verified information and create a climate of anticipation or misinterpretation among audiences and insiders alike.
Regarding the film’s development timeline, Baranov explained that discussions took place in a restricted setting with representatives from the LDPR party, reflecting a collaboration between filmmakers and political figures. He described a consensus among the involved parties that creating a cinematic portrait of the public figure could be valuable in terms of cultural memory and historical reflection. The nature of the talks points to a potential alignment between artistic ambition and political context, a balance that often shapes biopics about controversial or highly recognizable public figures.
Baranov himself attended the dialogue, contributing to a sense of shared interest in how the project might unfold if it receives the green light. The candid nature of the conversations suggests that participants are weighing the possibilities and boundaries of portraying real-life political personalities with sensitivity and responsibility, while also considering the artistic demands of a biographical feature. If casting eventually progresses to a formal decision, Kologrivoy could still emerge as a leading candidate for the central role, depending on demonstrated acting range, character interpretation, and the evolving vision of the screenplay and director.
Earlier reports mentioned that the LDPR had expressed appreciation for Kologrivoy’s performance in relation to the same public figure after a notable incident in Novosibirsk. These remarks, while part of the broader media discourse about the actor, do not constitute official casting confirmation. The current landscape remains firmly in the realm of rumor and possibility, with stakeholders choosing to exercise patience as they assess whether the project can be realized, funded, and responsibly produced given the political sensitivities involved and the historical memory at stake. The situation continues to reflect a cautious approach to biopic creation, where momentum can hinge on a combination of actor availability, financing, regulatory considerations, and audience reception expectations. This is a moment of early exploration rather than a final commitment, leaving fans and industry observers alike to watch for substantive updates as negotiations mature and a clear production plan begins to take shape.