Hey, movie fans and Budapest wanderers! If you’re strolling through the city between now and May, keep your eyes peeled—Hollywood royalty has landed in town. Ruben Östlund, the Swedish director who snagged the Palme d’Or twice for The Square and Triangle of Sadness, is filming his latest project, The Entertainment System Is Down, right here in Budapest. And he’s brought along a jaw-dropping cast: Keanu Reeves, Kirsten Dunst, Daniel Brühl, Samantha Morton, and Tobias Menzies, to name a few. With a 70-day shoot stretching into spring 2025, there’s a good chance you might spot these stars—or at least some serious film buzz—around the city. Let’s dive into what’s cooking with this cinematic gem and why Budapest’s the perfect backdrop for it!
A Boeing-Sized Satire Takes Flight
Östlund’s not messing around with this one. He recently teased on Instagram that they’re building an entire Boeing 747 as the film’s main set—yep, a real-deal plane that won’t ever leave the ground. According to Deadline, The Entertainment System Is Down is a dark satire about a long-haul flight gone hilariously awry. Imagine this: the screens flicker out, the gadgets die, and passengers are left to face the ultimate horror—boredom. No binge-watching, no scrolling, just awkward small talk and existential dread at 30,000 feet. It’s Östlund’s signature twist on human quirks, and with a cast this stacked, it’s bound to be a wild ride.
The film’s a Swedish-German-French co-production, blending European flair with Hollywood heft. Östlund’s no stranger to poking at society’s soft spots—Triangle of Sadness had us laughing (and cringing) at the ultra-rich stranded on a deserted island. Now, he’s trapping us in a metal tube with no escape from ourselves. Filming kicked off in late January, and with 70 days on the clock, Budapest’s hosting this A-list crew through May. Locals are already buzzing—will Keanu pop up at a ruin bar? Could Kirsten grab a coffee on Andrássy? The city’s about to get a little starrier.
Östlund’s Budapest Adventure
The director’s not just here to work—he’s soaking in the local scene, too. On February 8th, he’s swinging by the Belvárosi Színház (Downtown Theater) to catch a stage adaptation of his 2014 hit Force Majeure (Lavina in Hungarian). It’s a cool nod to his roots—before the Cannes glory, Force Majeure put him on the map with its biting take on family dynamics after an avalanche scare. Seeing it live in Budapest shows Östlund’s not just passing through; he’s connecting with the city’s cultural pulse. Who knows—maybe he’ll draw some inspiration from the Hungarian twist on his story for his next big idea.
Why Budapest? The Film Hub That Keeps on Giving
Budapest’s no stranger to blockbuster shoots—Keanu’s been here before for 47 Ronin back in 2013, and the city’s hosted everything from Blade Runner 2049 to The Martian. With its killer tax incentives (a 30% rebate that got extended in 2024), top-notch studios, and a crew that knows their stuff, it’s a no-brainer for filmmakers like Östlund. Plus, the vibe—historic streets, gritty charm, and a knack for doubling anywhere—makes it a chameleon on screen. The Entertainment System Is Down might not showcase the Chain Bridge or Parliament (it’s all plane-bound, after all), but Budapest’s behind-the-scenes magic is what’s bringing this satire to life.
The Star Power: Who’s Who on Board
Let’s talk cast. Keanu Reeves—our beloved John Wick and Neo—brings his cool-headed charisma to the mix. Kirsten Dunst, fresh off an Oscar nod for The Power of the Dog, adds depth and wit. Daniel Brühl (Inglourious Basterds, Rush) is a chameleon who’ll no doubt nail the satire’s edge. Samantha Morton’s intensity (Minority Report) and Tobias Menzies’ gravitas (The Crown) round out a lineup that’s got range for days. Oh, and toss in Nicholas Braun (Succession’s Cousin Greg) and a slew of fresh faces like Connor Swindells and Lindsay Duncan—Östlund’s got a full deck to play with.
What to Expect in 2025 (and Beyond)
Filming’s in full swing, wrapping up by May, so don’t be shocked if you spot a Boeing 747 parked on a studio lot—or hear whispers of Reeves sipping a latte at a Pest café. The buzz is building for a potential 2026 Cannes premiere, where Östlund could chase a third Palme d’Or (he’s already one of the rare few with two). A24’s snapped up U.S. rights, so expect a stateside release with their indie-cool stamp. For now, Budapest’s the stage, and we’re all extras in this cinematic spectacle.
Next time you’re near a film set or theater, keep an eye out—Östlund and his crew are weaving some movie magic right under our noses. What’s your guess for this flight-gone-wrong plot? Drop your thoughts—I’m betting it’s as unhinged as it is brilliant!