Netflix has released first-look images and a global premiere date for Vladimir.
The limited series is adapted from Julia May Jonas’ novel of the same name, centering around romance, obsession, and the world of academia.
What is Vladimir About?
Below is the official logline of Vladimir:
“When a passionate but reckless professor’s world begins to unravel, she finds herself dangerously fixated on her magnetic new colleague. As boundaries blur and secrets simmer, she’ll risk everything to bring her most scandalous fantasies to life.”
Rachel Weisz plays the professor, with Leo Woodall playing her new colleague. The series blends seduction, obsession, forbidden desires, sharp wit, and unpredictable characters into a binge-worthy series.
Behind the Scenes
Vladimir stars Rachel Weisz and Leo Woodall, alongside John Slattery. Other cast members include Ellen Robertson, Jessica Henwick, Matt Walsh, Kayli Carter, Miriam Silverman, Mallori Johnson, Tattiawna Jones, and Louise Lambert.
Julia May Jones wrote, created, and executive-produced the series. Other executive producers for the series include Sharon Horgan, Stacy Greenberg, Kira Carstensen, Jason Winer, Jon Hadler, Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini, and Rachel Weisz.
20th Television, in association with Merman and Small Dog Picture Company, produced the series.
Desire, Power, Obsession
Netflix is advertising the series as a “provocative, heightened story about desire, power, and obsession.” This obsession stems from a middle-aged professor (Weisz) with her younger colleague (Woodall).
“It’s like a heightened fairy tale,” states Weisz.
The unnamed protagonist is struggling in life. Her writing career is suffering from writer’s block, fewer people sign up for her capstone course, and even her daughter is keeping her distance.
“She’s relatable because of her insecurities about aging,” says Julia May Jonas, “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.”
However, interspersed with those moments are ones of intoxicating fantasies, drawing her away from her mundane life into a richer one.
“It explores what women feel like they’re allowed to desire, and how they’re allowed to desire,” adds Jonas.
Things shift drastically when the middle-aged protagonist is swept into a powerful crush on Vladimir. He, along with his wife, Cynthia, joins the faculty and turns the protagonist’s life into a whirlwind of obsession.
“There’s definitely comedy and drama. It’s mischievous and a good tonal cocktail for exploring some very serious subjects and issues,” states 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.”
Where to Watch Vladimir
Vladimir premieres on Netflix on March 5th, 2026. All eight episodes will be released globally on the same day. A Netflix subscription is required to watch the series.