Petrov, played by the Danish actor Lars Mikkelsen, however, is a good 9 inches (23 cm) taller than the real Russian president, with a slighter frame and a terrible Russian accent. His politics are highly unrealistic, and his behavior is even more outlandish than that of his real-life inspiration. (Even with his quirks, it’s hard to imagine Putin planting an intense kiss on Michelle Obama’s lips, as Petrov does with the fictional first lady, Claire Underwood.)

But still, for all intents and purposes, Petrov = Putin. It remains to be seen what will happen if Netflix makes it to Russia, as the company hopes to in two years—will the villainous Putin character come along?

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