Cosmo Jarvis to star as Young Stalin in biopic backed by Zone of Interest producers

Following his acclaimed turn in FX’s Shōgun, Cosmo Jarvis is set to tackle one of history’s most complex figures in the upcoming biopic Young Stalin. Directed by Georgian-French filmmaker Géla Babluani, the period thriller dives into the early criminal and revolutionary exploits of the man, Joseph Stalin, who would later become one of the 20th century’s most feared dictators.

Babluani, best known for 13 Tzameti and Money, co-wrote the screenplay with historian Simon Sebag Montefiore, based on Montefiore’s bestselling biography. Set in the criminal underbelly of pre-revolutionary Russia, Young Stalin explores the rise of a charismatic and dangerous young ideologue — a man shaped by betrayal, violence, and revolutionary zeal. At the heart of the story is the largest bank robbery in Russian history, a pivotal act that helped fund the Bolshevik movement and cement Stalin’s place in its future leadership.

The film is being financed by Access Entertainment, the company behind Oscar-winning The Zone of Interest and last year’s Conclave. Additional backing comes from AI Film and Monte Rosso Productions. 

Principal photography is slated to begin in July in Tbilisi, Georgia. The producing team includes Sam Taylor, Archil Gelovani, Vladimer Katcharava, and Alexander Kushaev. Len Blavatnik executive produces alongside Cohen and Vince Holden, with Rupert Lloyd, Gunda Bergman, and Esko Rips also onboard as producers.

Jarvis, whose recent credits include A24’s Iraq War thriller Warfare, will next be seen in Guy Ritchie’s upcoming feature Wife & Dog.