A Surprise Visit from Daniel Brühl: Budapest’s Uránia Cinema Welcomes a Hollywood Star
If you’ve ever spent time in Budapest, you know the city is full of surprises. You might stumble upon hidden cafés, secret courtyards, or even Hollywood stars casually strolling around town. Recently, movie lovers at the iconic Uránia National Film Theater got exactly this kind of unexpected treat when actor Daniel Brühl himself walked into a screening of his classic film, Good Bye, Lenin!, much to everyone’s delight.
Daniel Brühl Drops by Budapest’s Historic Cinema
Picture this: you’re comfortably seated at the beautiful Uránia National Film Theater, ready to enjoy a classic movie night featuring Wolfgang Becker’s beloved comedy-drama Good Bye, Lenin! Suddenly, before the lights dim, none other than Daniel Brühl—the film’s lead actor—walks casually into the theater. Sounds like a dream scenario for any film lover, right? Well, that’s precisely what happened recently in Budapest.
Daniel Brühl has been spending quite some time in Hungary lately, filming Ruben Östlund’s latest dark comedy titled The Entertainment System Is Down. The actor took advantage of his stay to revisit one of his favorite cinemas in the world—Budapest’s iconic Uránia. And he didn’t come alone; several members of the film crew accompanied him to this special screening.
A Warm Welcome at Uránia
The audience at Uránia was understandably thrilled by this unexpected guest appearance. Buglya Zsófia, Uránia’s program director, warmly welcomed Brühl before the screening began. The crowd responded enthusiastically with applause and cheers as the actor smiled humbly and waved back from his seat.
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Brühl himself seemed genuinely touched by the warm reception. In fact, he revealed that this wasn’t his first time enjoying a movie at Uránia—he had visited several times previously during trips to Budapest. Clearly moved by the warm reception, he even took a moment to sign Uránia’s prestigious guestbook known as the “Golden Book,” writing:
“It’s an immense honor and joy for me to watch Good Bye Lenin! in this venerable temple of cinema. Thanks! xxx Daniel Brühl.”
But beyond simply enjoying a nostalgic evening out at one of Europe’s most beautiful cinemas, Brühl also shared heartfelt words with attendees about why this particular screening meant so much to him personally. He explained that it provided an opportunity to honor and remember Wolfgang Becker—the celebrated director of Good Bye, Lenin!—who recently passed away. Becker was not only an artistic collaborator but also a dear friend to Brühl.
Celebrating German Cinema in Budapest
This special evening was part of an ongoing celebration marking 70 years of German cinema history—an event series hosted by Uránia National Film Theater in collaboration with German Films and Budapest’s Goethe Institute. Throughout March 2025, audiences have been treated to screenings of iconic German films spanning generations—from classics to contemporary favorites like Good Bye, Lenin! This particular screening marked the sixth installment in this popular series running until late March.
Good Bye, Lenin! itself remains one of Germany’s most acclaimed films internationally—a humorous yet poignant exploration of family love amidst historical upheaval following German reunification. It tells the story of Alex (played brilliantly by Daniel Brühl), whose devoted communist mother falls into a coma shortly before the fall of East Germany’s regime. Upon awakening months later into a radically changed world she cannot handle emotionally or physically, Alex decides to recreate East Germany within their apartment walls—complete with fake news broadcasts—to protect her fragile health from reality shock.
Hollywood Comes to Hungary: Ruben Östlund’s Star-Studded Project
But why exactly is Daniel Brühl spending so much time in Hungary these days? Well, he’s currently filming Ruben Östlund’s highly anticipated new project titled The Entertainment System Is Down. Östlund—famous for his Oscar-nominated satire Triangle of Sadness—has gathered an impressive international cast including Keanu Reeves, Kirsten Dunst, Samantha Morton, Nicholas Braun and Tobias Menzies alongside Brühl himself.
Set aboard a fictional longest-ever commercial flight where all onboard entertainment systems suddenly fail mid-air (forcing passengers into awkwardly hilarious interactions), this darkly comedic film promises plenty laughs—and perhaps some uncomfortable truths about modern society’s reliance on technology for distraction.
Filming is set around Budapest and nearby locations like Astra Studios near Hungaroring racetrack—so keep your eyes peeled while exploring town; spotting celebrities casually sipping coffee or strolling along Andrássy Avenue might just become your favorite pastime!
Budapest: A Favorite Destination Among Stars
Budapest continues proving itself irresistible not only as a filming location but also as an appealing destination beloved by actors worldwide—including Daniel Brühl himself! His repeated visits speak volumes about how comfortable stars feel here without needing flashy hotels or extravagant entourages typical elsewhere.
Indeed many actors choose Budapest precisely because they appreciate its relaxed atmosphere combined with vibrant cultural life—from historic cinemas like Uránia showcasing classic masterpieces regularly—to cozy theaters staging innovative adaptations such as Östlund’s own acclaimed film-turned-play Force Majeure (“Lavina”), which both Östlund and Brühl recently attended together during their stay here.
Why You Should Visit Uránia Too
Whether you’re hoping for surprise celebrity encounters or simply looking forward to enjoying great films within stunning architectural surroundings steeped deeply in history—the Uránia National Film Theater should definitely make it onto your itinerary when visiting Budapest! Built back in 1899 and beautifully restored since then with Moorish-inspired architecture reminiscent more perhaps Marrakech than Mitteleuropa—it truly offers visitors unforgettable cinematic experiences unlike anywhere else worldwide.
So next time you’re wandering through downtown Pest wondering how best spend evening hours after sightseeing all day long—why not drop into majestic halls inside historic walls at Rákóczi út 21? Who knows—you might even find yourself sitting next Hollywood royalty quietly munching popcorn nearby… stranger things have certainly happened lately here vibrant Hungarian capital city!
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