‘Vladimir’ TV Show: Leo Woodall and Rachel Weisz Are Electric In Netflix’s New Adaptation
This juicy and jaw-dropping new series will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Romantic book-to-screen adaptations have taken over the zeitgeist in recent years. From Heated Rivalry to Maxton Hall and Sex/Life, viewers are devouring the dramatic tension of their favorite books coming alive on screen. And if you’re looking for your next TV binge, we have you covered: Netflix’s new series Vladimir—based on the Julia May Jonas novel of the same name—releases this week, and it’s chock full of unhinged twists, simmering desire and dark, razor-sharp humor.
This series follows a middle-aged professor (played by the enigmatic Rachel Weisz), who develops a crush on a charming new colleague (Leo Woodall). But before long, her crush toes the line between harmless desire and outright obsession.
“It’s like a heightened fairy tale,” Weisz, who also executive produces the series, tells Netflix. Over the course of eight episodes, the limited series takes viewers along for a twisty, seductive ride. If you loved the clever wit of Fleabag and appreciate stories about women reclaiming their desires, this one’s absolutely for you. Here, we gathered up everything to know about the cast, plot, release date, trailer and more!
What is ‘Vladimir’ on Netflix about?
According to Netflix’s logline, “Vladimir follows an unnamed, middle-aged protagonist (Weisz) who is a writer, professor, wife and mom. As her life unravels, she becomes obsessed with a captivating new colleague, the eponymous Vladimir, at the small liberal arts college where she’s worked for decades. Full of sexy secrets, dark humor and complex characters, Vladimir is about what happens when a woman is hell-bent on turning her fantasies into reality.”
Meet the cast of Netflix’s ‘Vladimir’
Beloved actress Rachel Weisz stars as a middle-aged professor grappling with writer’s block and a shaky marriage. Then, she meets her young, handsome new colleague Vladimir, portrayed by Leo Woodall (One Day, The White Lotus), and feels an immediate attraction. But Vlad’s far from single. In fact, he joins the staff with his smart young wife Cynthia (Jessica Henwick).
Meanwhile, Weisz’ onscreen husband John—played by John Slattery (Mad Men)—is facing allegations from affairs that happened a decade ago. He maintains the trysts were consensual but his impending trial might prove otherwise. Their relationship with daughter Sid (Black Mirror’s Ellen Robertson) is also strained. Out of the entire cast, Jonas sees audiences relating most to Weisz’ character. “She’s relatable because of her insecurities about aging and her fears that as you grow into an older woman, you’re asked to want less, take up less space, be more of service.”
Is there a trailer for ‘Vladimir’?
Yes! The show is equal parts smart, funny and subversive—and the trailer captures this all perfectly. And fans of the cult-favorite show Fleabag will appreciate Vladimir for its similar fourth-wall approach in which the protagonist speaks directly to the camera. “You have direct access to what the character is thinking and then also what she wants you to think,” Weisz continues to Netflix. “What she wants you to think is a little distant from the total truth.” Watch the full trailer, below!
Was Julia May Jonas involved with the script?
Yes! Jonas was a writer and executive producer for Vladimir. And Kate Robin, known for her work on fan-favorite shows The Affair and Six Feet Under, served as showrunner—a special treat for fans of her dark, sultry style.
But the show, based on Jonas’s 2022 critically acclaimed debut novel, wouldn’t be the same without her creative vision—and the stars can’t stop raving about her! “I had Julia’s novel, which I’d read prior to being offered the role, and I had her screenplays,” says Weisz.
“Her writing is so superb. It’s so funny and mischievous and truthful and slightly ridiculous. That’s what makes it funny.” Woodall echoed Weisz’ enthusiasm about Jonas’ bringing her story to life. “She’s extraordinary,” Woodall tells Netflix. “It was her first time working on a film set. It was the first time a novel of hers had been made into a TV show, her first time showrunning. She had a lot of responsibility.”
“She had so much on her plate, but she dealt with it wonderfully. She’s very flexible and collaborative,” Woodall continued. “There were so many points where she would have insight that was invaluable. When you are a leader of a set, and she was in very many ways our leader, you have to set the tone, and your energy bleeds out into a set. What she’s done is really remarkable.”
How steamy is ‘Vladimir’?
Viewers can expect substantial levels of steam when tuning into the limited series, but most of the romantic moments between Weisz and Woodall are part of the protagonist’s fantasies. With her direct communication to the camera, audiences can determine what’s real and what’s imagined. Or can they?
“There’s definitely comedy and drama. It’s mischievous and a good tonal cocktail for exploring some very serious subjects and issues,” says Weisz. “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 does ‘Vladimir’ release on Netflix?
The eight-episode limited series premieres on Thursday, March 5, 2026, on Netflix. Mark your calendars and get ready for one wildly delicious ride!
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