Netflix has officially locked the release date for Vladimir, its upcoming psychological drama based on Julia May Jonas’ acclaimed novel. The eight-episode limited series will premiere globally on March 5, 2026, bringing a story of obsession, desire, and moral collapse to the screen.
Led by Rachel Weisz and Leo Woodall, Vladimir promises a dark, provocative mix of seduction and psychological tension — one that leans heavily into uncomfortable emotions and blurred boundaries.
What Is ‘Vladimir’ About?
According to Netflix’s official logline, Vladimir follows a passionate but reckless professor whose life begins to unravel when she becomes dangerously fixated on her magnetic new colleague.
As desire intensifies and lines between fantasy and reality dissolve, secrets simmer beneath the surface — pushing the protagonist to risk everything to bring her most scandalous impulses to life.
Rachel Weisz stars as M, the troubled professor at the center of the story, while Leo Woodall plays Vladimir, the charismatic and unpredictable colleague who becomes the object of her obsession.
Cast: A Prestige Ensemble
Alongside Weisz and Woodall, the series features a strong supporting lineup:
- John Slattery as John
- Ellen Robertson as Sid
- Jessica Henwick as Cynthia
Additional cast members include Matt Walsh, Kayli Carter, Miriam Silverman, Mallori Johnson, Tattiawna Jones, and Louise Lambert.
Each character is positioned as part of a tightly wound emotional ecosystem — where attraction, power, and insecurity constantly collide.
Creative Team Behind the Series
Vladimir is written, created, and executive produced by Julia May Jonas, adapting her own novel for television.
Executive producers include:
- Sharon Horgan
- Stacy Greenberg
- Kira Carstensen (Merman)
- Jason Winer & Jon Radler (Small Dog Picture Company)
- Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini
Horgan first teased the project back in late 2024, shortly after wrapping Season 2 of Bad Sisters. The series was officially greenlit by Netflix in March 2025, with Weisz attached from the start. Woodall joined the project in July 2025.
Direction, Episodes, and Production Details
The limited series consists of eight half-hour episodes, directed by:
- Shari Springer Berman & Robert Pulcini (Episodes 101–102)
- Francesca Gregorini (Episodes 103, 106, 107)
- Josephine Bornebusch (Episodes 104–105)
Produced by 20th Television, alongside Merman and Small Dog Picture Company, Vladimir was filmed in Toronto, Canada.
Why ‘Vladimir’ Is One to Watch
With its blend of literary roots, prestige casting, and themes of forbidden desire and self-destruction, Vladimir is shaping up to be one of Netflix’s most daring adult dramas of 2026.
Rachel Weisz stepping into a morally complex, emotionally volatile role — paired with Leo Woodall’s rising star power — adds to the intrigue. And with Sharon Horgan backing the project creatively, expectations are firmly in prestige territory.
Final Words
Vladimir doesn’t promise comfort — it promises tension. Seduction, obsession, sharp wit, and characters who feel dangerously real all collide in this adaptation that’s designed to provoke, unsettle, and linger.
When it lands on Netflix on March 5, 2026, Vladimir looks ready to spark conversation — and controversy — in equal measure.
