Filmed in Budapest: Black Widow

Screen shot of Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow at Keleti Station

Post lockdown box office began with a bang with the theatrical and streaming release of Scarlett Johansson in Marvel’s adrenaline-pumped superhero film Black Widow. But who is that moody co-star? It only takes a passing glance at the trailer to see that the film was—at least in part—shot in Budapest. The film makes amazing use of distinctly Central European architecture on many downtown streets, including Alkotmány, and Széchenyi.

It was over twenty years ago that Johansson first shot a film in Budapest. That was the loving, if under-appreciated ode to writer Éva Gárdos’ family heritage, An American Rhapsody, where Johansson played an American teen discovering her Hungarian roots over one summer abroad.

Screenshot from Black Widow trailer

Black Widow is an entirely different animal. Budgeted at a reported 200 million dollars, since its release a month ago, it has ensnared almost twice that in sales and streaming revenue, making it one of the year’s top blockbusters.

In the tangled web of the Marvel universe, Budapest Film Reporter summarised Black Widow’s place as such: “Scarlett Johansson will be reprising her role as the titular hero (aka Natasha Romanoff) who was first seen in 2010’s “Iron Man 2” and last seen in “Avengers: Endgame”. Her new film will take place between the events of “Captain America: Civil War” and “Avengers: Infinity War”, finding the trained spy getting back to her roots with her history of family and enemies.”

Why Budapest, aside from the obvious reasons of a beneficial tax rebate and amazing locations? Well, it also played a part in previous Avengers films, and Black Widow’s past, as Johansson explains in the press release: “When we first started talking about locations—back when everything was possible—we all agreed that we had to find out what happened in Budapest. I think Natasha is haunted. She has this huge sense of doom. There’s unfinished business and a sense of guilt that follows her around, and it all stems from what happened in Budapest. The film is not about what happened in Budapest, but it helps us understand the heaviness that Natasha walks around with and what her burden is. It gave us a great jumping-off point for a lot that goes on in the film.”

If there is one thing Black Widow proves, it’s that filmgoers aren’t tired of big budget superhero films, and that Budapest—no matter how many films are shot here—always looks fresh and cinematic as a backdrop. And that Johansson, no matter where she is in town (in one of Budapest’s un-renovated, proletariat apartments or Keleti Raialway Station) is a star that shines only brighter for the lustrous Hungarian locations.

Flatpack Films has many years of experience dedicated to offering expert servicing. It has brought the best of Hungary to countless brands, agencies, and production companies through its unique locations, exceptionally skilled crews, top of the line equipment and technical solutions. Backed by an impeccable track record, Flatpack Films has worked with world-class clients including Samsung, Samsonite, Toyota, Braun, Chivas Regal and many more - bringing their projects to life through a highly bespoke approach.