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Hungarian Edition
Fuller’s First Feature Anchored by Veteran Talent
Bryan Fuller—acclaimed for television series such as Hannibal and Pushing Daisies—makes his feature film directing debut with Dust Bunny. Known for his distinctive narrative style and ability to blend dark thematic material with emotional nuance, Fuller transitions to long-form filmmaking after an extensive career in television.
The film reunites Fuller with Mads Mikkelsen, whose performances across film and television, including his noted work in Hannibal, have earned him broad international recognition. Joining them is Sigourney Weaver, a seminal figure in genre cinema whose long-standing body of work, including the Alien franchise, adds notable weight to the ensemble. Newcomer Sophie Sloan leads as Aurora, portraying the story’s central emotional perspective. The cast brings together established talent and emerging voices, shaping a grounded and character-driven approach to the film’s dark narrative.
A Haunting Tale of Fear and Survival
Dust Bunny centers on ten-year-old Aurora, who believes a creature beneath her bed is responsible for the disappearance of her family. She turns to her elusive neighbor—played by Mikkelsen, a contract killer—for help confronting what she perceives as a real threat. The story explores the tension between childhood perception and adult reality, building its suspense around shifting psychological and emotional stakes. Sigourney Weaver’s role as the hitman’s handler introduces an additional layer of tension within the film’s internal power dynamics, shaping a narrative that blends grounded character drama with genre elements.
Budapest: More Than Just a Filming Location
Though set in New York City, Dust Bunny was shot almost entirely in Budapest. The production utilized the city’s varied architectural styles, flexible location infrastructure, and studio capabilities during its June 2023 shoot to recreate Manhattan environments with precision. Both historic and contemporary areas of Budapest were adapted to match the film’s atmospheric tone, demonstrating the city’s versatility as a stand-in for major urban centers.
The project’s ties to Budapest extended beyond its physical locations. Mads Mikkelsen engaged in the city’s cultural life during the shoot, including its culinary scene—an experience previously highlighted in Budapest Reporter. This connection reinforced the role of Budapest not only as a cost-efficient and visually adaptable production landscape but also as a collaborative environment for international filmmakers.
Looking Ahead to the December Release
Dust Bunny had its world premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, followed by its U.S. debut at American Cinematheque’s Beyond Fest on September 30. It now heads toward a wide theatrical release in the United States on December 12, 2025. The film has continued to generate interest within genre and industry circles, supported by Fuller’s transition into feature directing and Budapest’s central role as the production base. The project further underscores Hungary’s growing presence on the global filmmaking map and its capacity to host ambitious international productions seeking diverse locations and high-level production services.
