CHINA Edition
Hungarian Edition
Budapest continues to solidify its reputation as a go-to destination for international filmmakers. This weekend, the iconic Chain Bridge (Lánchíd) and the Pest-side lower embankment between Eötvös Square and Jászai Mari Square were closed for a major film shoot, drawing the attention of locals and curious onlookers.
One of the weekend’s most striking scenes involved a daring stunt performed above the Danube. A helicopter hovered low over the Chain Bridge, with a stunt performer dramatically hanging onto the helicopter’s landing skids. The breathtaking action drew a crowd along the embankments, where many stopped to watch and capture the scene.
Additionally, major hotelships had to temporarily move from the embankment area to accommodate the shoot. The footage featured in this article was taken on and provided by Spoon the Boat restaurant, adding a unique perspective to the spectacle.
With Budapest currently hosting several high-profile productions, speculation arose regarding which film was being shot. Some thought it might be A24’s The Entertainment System Is Down, but this was ruled out as that film is set aboard a plane. Others considered the Cold War thriller Ponies, starring Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson, but the aircraft shown in the footage seems too modern for the series’ setting.
Instead, the shoot is most likely part of the action-packed feature film Matchbox, starring John Cena. Directed by Sam Hargrave (“Extraction”) and produced by Mattel Films, Skydance Media, and Apple Studios, the film blends action and drama in a high-stakes narrative. Local production is being handled by Mid Atlantic Productions Kft., with Budapest chosen as one of its primary locations alongside Slovakia and Los Angeles.
The city’s residents are no strangers to street closures and traffic detours caused by large-scale film shoots. While such disruptions can be inconvenient, they also underline Budapest’s growing prominence as a cinematic backdrop.
