Quick Read
- Netflix’s ‘Vladimir’ limited series premieres March 5, 2026.
- The series is an adaptation of Julia May Jonas’s novel, starring Rachel Weisz and Leo Woodall.
- Rachel Weisz plays a professor fixated on her new colleague, Vladimir, exploring obsession and forbidden desires.
- The show consists of eight half-hour episodes, with Julia May Jonas as writer, creator, and executive producer.
- Filming took place in Toronto, Canada.
LOS ANGELES (Azat TV) – Netflix’s highly anticipated limited series adaptation of Julia May Jonas’s critically acclaimed novel “Vladimir,” starring Academy Award winner Rachel Weisz and breakout talent Leo Woodall, is officially set to premiere on March 5, 2026. The eight-episode series promises viewers a provocative and sharp exploration of obsession, seduction, and the blurring lines of forbidden desires, marking a significant addition to Netflix’s prestige drama lineup.
The series centers on a passionate but reckless professor, portrayed by Weisz, whose carefully constructed world begins to unravel. She finds herself dangerously fixated on Vladimir, her magnetic new colleague, played by Woodall. The official logline teases a narrative where “boundaries blur and secrets simmer,” leading the professor to “risk everything to bring her most scandalous fantasies to life.” This complex interplay of intellect, desire, and power dynamics forms the core of the adaptation.
Unpacking the Plot and Star-Studded Cast
Beyond its central duo, “Vladimir” boasts an impressive ensemble cast. John Slattery joins as John, Ellen Robertson as Sid, and Jessica Henwick as Cynthia, adding further depth to the narrative’s intricate web of relationships. Additional cast members include Matt Walsh, Kayli Carter, Miriam Silverman, Mallori Johnson, Tattiawna Jones, and Louise Lambert, ensuring a rich tapestry of characters to complement the series’ intense themes.
Weisz’s portrayal of the unnamed professor is expected to bring a nuanced performance to a character grappling with professional ethics and personal desires. Woodall, known for his roles in other acclaimed productions, takes on the titular character, a new colleague whose presence ignites a dangerous fascination.
Behind the Production of the Literary Adaptation
The series consists of eight half-hour episodes, a format that often lends itself to tight pacing and intense storytelling. Julia May Jonas, the author of the original novel, is deeply involved in the adaptation, serving as its writer, creator, and executive producer. This direct involvement suggests a faithful yet dynamic translation of her literary work to the screen.
The executive producer team is robust, including Weisz herself, alongside seasoned industry figures such as Sharon Horgan, Stacy Greenberg, and Kira Carstensen from Merman, as well as Jason Winer and Jon Radler from Small Dog Picture Company. Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini also serve as executive producers and directed the first two episodes. Other directors contributing to the series include Francesca Gregorini and Josephine Bornebusch.
The journey to the screen for “Vladimir” began to take shape in December 2024 when Sharon Horgan first hinted at her collaboration with Jonas. The project received its official greenlight in March 2025, a significant milestone that coincided with the casting announcement of Rachel Weisz. Leo Woodall was later cast in the titular role in July 2025. The series was produced by 20th Television in conjunction with Merman and Small Dog Picture Company, with filming taking place in Toronto, Canada.
Anticipation Builds for a Provocative New Drama
The adaptation of “Vladimir” arrives as part of a growing trend of major streaming platforms investing in literary adaptations that explore complex human psychology and societal norms. The novel’s themes of female desire, aging, and the power dynamics within academia resonate strongly with contemporary discussions, positioning the series as a potentially thought-provoking cultural touchstone for 2026. The combination of acclaimed source material, a stellar cast, and experienced production talent sets high expectations for its March premiere.
The decision by Netflix to adapt “Vladimir” underscores the platform’s strategic focus on acquiring rights to popular and critically acclaimed literary works, leveraging their inherent narrative depth and established fan bases. This approach, combined with the star power of Rachel Weisz, aims to attract a discerning audience seeking sophisticated and character-driven dramas.