One of Hollywood’s biggest stars, Arnold Schwarzenegger, has been in Budapest for weeks filming his latest production, yet he has hardly confined himself to the set. The seven-time Mr Olympia has been repeatedly spotted cycling through the capital’s streets, while maintaining his trademark training routine. He is a regular at the Flex Gym in Buda, run by a Hungarian friend, where he trains under the supervision of a personal coach, favouring lighter weights and high repetitions. His son, born out of wedlock, has also now arrived in the city, and has spoken in glowing terms about the Hungarian capital.
Relentless in training, cycling and filming, Schwarzenegger is not one for socialising
According to eyewitnesses at the Flex Gym, Schwarzenegger is approachable and cheerful, though his bodyguard keeps a watchful eye, ensuring fans do not get too close. While securing an autograph or photograph is no easy feat, the occasional selfie is permitted as he departs, before he mounts his bicycle once more.
The global star also had an unexpected encounter with Hungarian presenter Balázs Sebestyén. In a humorous post, Sebestyén recounted how he suddenly realised Schwarzenegger was cycling behind him. The chance meeting did not result in a photograph. By his own admission, he waited like an excited teenager, only for the actor to cycle past with a simple “Good morning”, Blikk wrote.
Schwarzenegger is in Budapest primarily for filming his new movie, in which he stars alongside Sharon Stone and Liam Hemsworth. Production recently led to the partial closure of the M2 metro line – a rare occurrence, even at the weekend. According to Budapest mayor Gergely Karácsony, the production compensated the city’s transport operator BKK with replacement bus services and an additional 50 million forints. Most passengers, it seems, took the disruption in their stride. Tabloid newspaper Blikk attempted to gain access to the set, but managed only to glimpse large-scale film sets and heightened security.
Schwarzenegger’s son by former housekeeper also in Budapest
Another member of the Schwarzenegger family has meanwhile arrived in the Hungarian capital. His 28-year-old son, Joseph Baena, has shared updates on social media from Budapest, where he has been touring landmarks and, unsurprisingly, visiting local gyms. Baena, himself a bodybuilder and actor, spoke enthusiastically about the city, describing it as “stunning” and lavishing particular praise on the Flex Gym, Blikk wrote.
This is how Schwarzenegger and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson greeted a Hungarian gym – VIDEO message
Joseph Baena is the son of Arnold Schwarzenegger and the family’s former housekeeper, Mildred Baena. Their relationship remained secret for years before becoming public. Since then, Joseph has increasingly followed in his father’s footsteps, competing in bodybuilding and pursuing an acting career. He has also drawn frequent comparisons to Schwarzenegger in appearance, though he has chosen to use his mother’s surname, determined to make his own way.
In the coming weeks, Budapest residents may well find themselves crossing paths with a number of Hollywood figures while going about their daily routines – perhaps even on a bicycle – and with a little more luck than Balázs Sebestyén when it comes to securing a photograph.
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Featured image: illustration. Source: depositphotos.com
How wonderful that Arnold Schwarzenegger is filming in Budapest and enjoying this beautiful city! I would love to run into him in one of Budapest’s many amazing places! 🥳