Hollywood Stars Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan Turn Budapest into Winter Movie Set: Marvel Hero Spotted at Basilica
Budapest has become a magnet for A-list Hollywood talent, with the latest addition being none other than Anthony Mackie, the new Captain America from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The actor has joined fellow star Jamie Dornan in the Hungarian capital for an exciting new action series that’s turning the city center into a festive film set.
Marvel Meets Budapest: Anthony Mackie Arrives
Anthony Mackie, who took over the iconic Captain America shield in the Marvel universe, has been spotted filming scenes for the upcoming action series 12/12/12 right in front of Budapest’s stunning St. Stephen’s Basilica. The production has transformed the historic square into a Christmas wonderland, complete with artificial snow, holiday decorations, and festive lighting that’s creating quite a spectacle for both tourists and locals.
The timing of Mackie’s arrival is particularly impressive given his demanding schedule. The actor is currently juggling two major film projects, splitting his time between London (where he’s working on another Marvel production) and Budapest. This means visitors to the Hungarian capital might catch glimpses of one of Hollywood’s most recognizable superheroes between takes.
Star-Studded Production Details
The 12/12/12 series has brought together an impressive cast:
- Jamie Dornan (Fifty Shades of Grey) has been filming in Budapest for over 10 days
- Anthony Mackie recently joined the production after completing Marvel commitments in London
- The series appears to center around a heist storyline with Christmas-themed elements
- Filming locations include the Basilica area and various spots in Budapest’s 6th district
TikTok users have been quick to share behind-the-scenes footage, showing the elaborate winter sets and catching glimpses of the stars in action. The production team has gone to great lengths to create an authentic winter atmosphere, despite filming during warmer months.
Impact on Budapest Tourism and Local Scene
This high-profile production represents a significant boost for Budapest’s growing reputation as a premier filming destination. The city has increasingly attracted major Hollywood productions due to its:
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- Stunning architecture that doubles for various European locations
- Cost-effective production facilities and skilled local crews
- Favorable filming incentives offered by the Hungarian government
- Diverse locations within a compact, accessible area
For tourists currently visiting Budapest, this presents a unique opportunity to witness major film production firsthand. The Basilica area, already one of the city’s most popular attractions, has become even more exciting with the addition of elaborate film sets.
Where to Spot the Stars
Based on recent sightings and filming schedules, visitors have the best chances of encountering the production at:
- St. Stephen’s Basilica – Primary filming location for Christmas scenes
- Andrássy Avenue area – Where Jamie Dornan’s scenes were previously filmed
- Semmelweis University vicinity – Recent Dornan sighting location
- Central Pest neighborhoods – Various supporting scenes
Important note: While it’s exciting to spot celebrities, visitors should maintain respectful distances during filming and follow any crew instructions to avoid disrupting production.
Practical Tips for Star-Spotting Visitors
If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of these Hollywood stars during your Budapest visit:
- Check social media regularly for real-time filming location updates
- Visit the Basilica area during morning and afternoon hours when filming typically occurs
- Be patient and respectful – filming involves long waits and multiple takes
- Bring a camera but avoid using flash or making noise during active filming
- Explore nearby cafes where cast and crew might take breaks
The production schedule appears intensive, but both actors have historically been known to explore local attractions and restaurants during their downtime, following in the footsteps of other visiting celebrities.
Budapest’s Growing Hollywood Appeal
This production joins a growing list of major international films and series choosing Budapest as their backdrop. The city’s unique blend of historical architecture, modern amenities, and film-friendly infrastructure continues to attract top-tier productions, bringing both economic benefits and international attention to Hungary’s capital.
For visitors, these productions offer an unexpected bonus to their Budapest experience – the chance to see world-class filmmaking in action while exploring one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Whether you’re a Marvel fan hoping to spot Captain America or simply curious about the movie-making process, the current production adds an extra layer of excitement to any Budapest itinerary.
Keep your eyes peeled around the Basilica and central Budapest areas – you might just find yourself with a celebrity sighting story to take home from your Hungarian adventure.
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