Arnold Schwarzenegger was near one of Budapest’s popular landmarks – you may bump into him in the city centre

Arnold Schwarzenegger, the “Austrian Oak”, is once again in Budapest — and, as before, he has not arrived as a tourist but for work, this time on his latest Hollywood production alongside the charismatic Liam Hemsworth, known for a string of solid recent action films.

Schwarzenegger back in the Hungarian capital — and sending a message from the city

The Hollywood star and seven-time Mr Olympia champion appears to be in Budapest once more, and not merely for sightseeing. Over the weekend, the action icon shared a post from in front of the currently renovated St Stephen’s Basilica, having arrived — as is his habit — on his famous bicycle.

The Terminator legend has been sighted at several locations across Budapest in recent weeks. He was previously seen in Márvány Street in the city’s 12th district, near the Flex Gym, accompanied by bodyguards, according to images shared on a cycling forum. The gym, popular among Hollywood stars, has also welcomed the likes of Henry Cavill and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, both of whom have praised its facilities as among the finest in Europe. To mark its tenth anniversary, they even sent video messages of congratulations — Schwarzenegger, characteristically, did so from his bicycle.

Schwarzenegger maintains a close relationship with the gym’s owner, Ádám Szedlacskó. Whenever he is in Budapest, he trains there, and it was with Szedlacskó’s help that he recovered a long-lost bodybuilding trophy he had originally won in 1969. The award had found its way into the hands of a Hungarian collector before being ceremoniously returned to the actor in 2018 at the gym.

He has also reportedly been seen near the Castle Tunnel.

Filming under the radar in Hungary

According to international film industry outlets and Hungarian press reports, Schwarzenegger is in Hungary for the filming of a new Amazon MGM Studios production, The Kelly’s. Shooting is believed to have begun as early as May and is taking place at several locations across Budapest. Liam Hemsworth, his co-star, has also been spotted in the Hungarian capital.

What is The Kelly’s about?

Little official information has been released about the film’s plot. Reports suggest a fast-paced, action-heavy production featuring chases and large-scale set pieces, though the studio has yet to confirm detailed story elements.

Leaked plot details indicate that the story centres on Jack Kelly (Hemsworth), a disgraced New York police officer whose wife, Molly, is taken hostage by terrorists in a former weapons depot. Forced into action, Kelly must join forces with the people he fears most — his own chaotic family of police officers.

Budapest continues to draw Hollywood

Schwarzenegger’s presence once again highlights Budapest’s growing prominence as an international filming location. In recent years, numerous major Hollywood productions have been shot in the Hungarian capital, which remains one of Europe’s most attractive destinations thanks to its competitive costs, diverse locations and well-developed film industry infrastructure.

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For fans, there is further cause for excitement: Schwarzenegger appears set to remain in Budapest for some time. Those strolling near the Flex Gym in the coming weeks may well find themselves unexpectedly crossing paths with one of the world’s most recognisable action stars.

Over the past year alone, Budapest has hosted Zendaya, Kit Harington — best known as Jon Snow in Game of Thrones — Kiefer Sutherland of Designated Survivor, Travis Fimmel of Vikings and Warcraft fame, as well as celebrity couple Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner, who reportedly spent a romantic day in the city, enjoying the discretion of a restaurant whose staff left them undisturbed. Hunger Games star Josh Hutcherson even celebrated on Budapest’s streets after Péter Magyar’s election victory.

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