Vladimir: Netflix unveils Rachel Weisz’ steamy psychological thriller with White Lotus star
Netflix's Vladimir is "full of secrets"
Vladimir is already one of Netflix’s hottest TV shows of 2026, with Rachel Weisz starring alongside a rising star from The White Lotus.
Netflix started the year by ending Stranger Things, one of its biggest and best series.
However, whether it’s Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials, His and Hers, or even Skyscraper Live, the streaming platform has plenty more to offer.
Vladimir, a new erotic drama that’s “full of sexy secrets”, is a perfect example – and this is everything you need to know before it drops.
What is Vladimir about?
Vladimir follows a middle-aged professor and writer who becomes obsessed with Vladimir, a younger colleague from her liberal arts college.
As teased by Netflix, the series will begin with our protagonist feeling “out of step… her writing career has stalled, and each semester, fewer people sign up for her once-legendary capstone course”.
Things get worse, too: a former student accuses her husband – John, a fellow professor – of sexual assault.
All of that, plus feelings of sexual inadequacy and dissatisfaction, pave the way for an obsession with Vladimir.
“There’s definitely comedy and drama. It’s mischievous and a good tonal cocktail for exploring some very serious subjects and issues,” Weisz, who’s also a producer on the series, said.
“Her fantasy is about the power of desire – the invigorating, stimulating, inspiring, and revivifying feeling that she gets from her obsession with Vlad. What it’s about is coming back to life in a certain way [after lying] dormant for some time.”
When is it out?
Vladimir will be available to stream on Netflix from March 5, 2026.
As you’d expect with a Netflix release, all eight episodes will be available to stream straight away.
Vladimir cast: Who’s in it?
Rachel Weisz plays the main character in Vladimir – but, curiously, she isn’t named.
Weisz is an extremely recognisable star. Whether it’s The Mummy, About a Boy, The Favourite, or Prime Video’s Dead Ringers, you’ve definitely seen her in something. Plus, she’s married to Daniel Craig!
Vladimir will be portrayed by Leo Woodall. The star got his start in Holby City and Apple TV’s Cherry, but most people will recognise him from his role in The White Lotus season 2. He also starred in Netflix’s One Day and Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy.
The cast also includes:
- John Slattery (Mad Men) as John
- Jessica Henwick (Glass Onion) as Cynthia
- Ellen Robertson (Black Mirror)
- Kayli Carter (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel)
- Miriam Silverman (Your Friends and Neighbors)
- Mallori Johnson (WeCrashed)
- Matt Walsh (Veep)
- Tattiawna Jones (Murderbo)
- Louise Lambert (Ginny & Georgia)
Sharon Horgan, of Catastrophe and Bad Sisters fame, is also an executive producer on the new series.
Is Vladimir based on a book?
Yes! Vladimir is based on Julia May Jonas’ best-selling book of the same name.
Jonas is also serving as showrunner on the series. Even though it was her first time on a film or TV set, Woodall said she was “extraordinary”.
“There were so many points where, being the creator of these characters, she would have insight that was invaluable,” he added.
So, if you’re a fan of the book, expect it to be a faithful adaptation.
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