Rise of the Empire
The Story: Peter's Decade
According to Plex, Rise of the Empire covers roughly 1698–1709—a transformative ten-year window in Russian history. The film follows Peter the Great as he returns from his Grand Embassy in Europe, armed with ambitions to modernize his nation and secure access to the Baltic Sea. What unfolds is a protracted war with Sweden, military setbacks, political resistance from within Russia itself. Out of that crucible, a nation becomes an empire.
It's a period piece, but not in the costume-drama sense alone. This is about the forging of a nation through conflict and will—the personal cost of transformation on a massive scale.
What We Know
The film is directed by Andrey Kravchuk and produced by Nikita Mikhalkov, Leonid Vereshchagin, and Anton Zlatopolskiy, with a screenplay by Andrey Zolotarev. The production represents a major collaboration among Russian studios—Studio Trite, Russia‑1, Central Partnership, and the Cinema Foundation of Russia are all backing it. Confirmed cast includes Miloš Biković, Aleksandr Gorbatov, Vitaliy Khaev, Aleksey Guskov, Yulia Peresild, Victor Dobronravov, and Sergey Shakurov, among others in an ensemble that spans the political and military landscape of the era.
Genre-wise, we're looking at drama and history—not a light touch. These are the kinds of films that don't shy away from the weight of their subject matter.
Why This Matters
Look—Russian historical cinema has a particular tradition. There's a weight to it, a seriousness about how power shifts and empires rise. The fact that this project has drawn major producers and studios suggests ambition beyond the typical period piece. Kravchuk's involvement signals that this won't be a straightforward heroic narrative. The Northern War was brutal, the politics were messy, and Peter's vision cost lives. What's striking is that the film doesn't seem interested in sanitizing any of that.
The Russian Empire remains one of history's most consequential political formations, and the moment it crystallized—that decade when Peter transformed Russia from a regional power into something continental—that's not a small story. It's the kind of material that can either become a genuine epic or collapse under its own weight. Hard to say which way this one will land until we see it.
Release Date & How to Watch
Rise of the Empire is scheduled for theatrical release in Russia on October 29, 2026. It hasn't been released yet, and streaming availability hasn't been confirmed. Movie OTT will track platform announcements as distribution rights are finalized—check the Where-to-Watch widget above for updates as they come.
International release windows and availability outside Russia remain unannounced. The film is currently positioned as a Russian-language theatrical feature, so distribution strategy will likely depend on festival reception and post-release reception in its home market.
Frequently asked questions
When is Rise of the Empire releasing?
October 29, 2026, in Russia. International release dates haven't been announced yet.
Is Rise of the Empire out yet?
No. As of now, the film hasn't been released anywhere. It's still in post-production or final stages of completion.
Where will I be able to watch Rise of the Empire?
That's not confirmed yet. It's expected to arrive in Russian theaters first. Streaming and international theatrical availability will depend on distribution deals made after release. Movie OTT will update the Where-to-Watch widget as platforms and release dates are announced.
Who's directing Rise of the Empire?
Andrey Kravchuk is directing, with Nikita Mikhalkov producing—a pairing that suggests a serious, ambitious approach to the material.
What's the film about?
It follows Peter the Great during the decade after his return from Europe, focusing on the Northern War with Sweden and the political upheaval that ultimately led to Russia becoming an empire.
What to Expect
This is a film that won't arrive quietly. With major production backing, an ensemble cast, and a director who doesn't make small gestures, Rise of the Empire is positioned as one of 2026's significant historical dramas. Whether it lands as a definitive portrait of Peter's era or becomes something more personal and fractured—that's the question waiting for October. Either way, it's a project worth tracking.
