Celeb hunters should get their skates on because a bunch of stars of the screen are currently rubbing shoulders with the rest of us while they make a home away from home in Budapest.

With its strong cinematic traditions, and known as a hub or international film production, Budapest has often been referred to as Hollywood on the Danube. And with the filming boom clearly continuing into 2025, a steady rotation of world-famous actors can usually be relied upon to pop up in various locations across the capital.

Emilia Clark, reportedly starring in a new series (Ponies) with Haley Lu Richardson (The White Lotus), is in town and has been spotted getting her nails done at legendary local salon Yom Tov Nail Art. It’s hardly surprising that Hungary was chosen as a filming location considering the premise of the show; it’s a spy story set during the Cold War. Portraying Moscow in that era is hardly a stretch for multifaceted Budapest.

And it was less than a couple of weeks ago when spectators in the city got front row seats to an action scene filmed near the Chain Bridge. A stunt performer could be seen hanging precariously from a helicopter flying low over the Danube. The whole area, including the embankment on the Pest side of the river, was closed for filming over that weekend. It was speculated by The Budapest Reporter that the film in question might have been Matchbox starring John Cena and directed by Sam Hargrave.

Meanwhile, Spanish-German actor Daniel Brühl (Goodbye, Lenin!, Becoming Karl Lagerfeld, All Quiet on the Western Front, and Inglourious Basterds) has also been spotted at popular Raman food-bar, 101 Neo. He’s in town with Oscar-nominated Swedish director, Ruben Östlund, who is filming his latest English-language feature, The Entertainment System is Down. Filming is reportedly taking place on board an old Boeing 747 specially bought for the purpose. The pair were also recently spotted going to the theatre. They attended a Budapest production of Lavina, a play based on one of Östlund’s earlier films, Force Majeure.

Keanu Reeves and Kirsten Dunst also star in Östlund’s feature currently filming in Budapest. According to Blikk, Reeves is discretely staying downtown during the 70-day shoot–not in a hotel–but somewhere he can explore the city on foot and be in proximity to museums and galleries.

Culture vultures should therefore be on alert; you never know who might be standing–or sitting–beside you when getting your next art-fix!

Flatpack Films has years of experience servicing international brands, agencies and production companies. Filming in Hungary is easy when relying on their knowledge of the market and ability to solve complex needs. They bring the best that Hungary has to offer in terms of 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.

Get in touch and learn more about Budapest film locations, Hungarian film incentives, film tax credits in Hungary and how Flatpack Films can bring your project to life through a highly bespoke approach.