Ralph Fiennes, best known as Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter series, and Viggo Mortensen, who portrayed Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings, have been spotted dining together in Budapest. They were joined by the Hungarian-Canadian producer Robert Lantos.

The trio were seen at Rosenstein, a well-known restaurant near Keleti railway station. A photograph shared on the venue’s official Facebook page suggests the actors and Lantos may be regular patrons, with the restaurant thanking them for their repeated visits.

Stars in Hungary for Márai adaptation

According to Szeretlek Magyarország, both Fiennes and Mortensen are in Hungary to work on a film adaptation of Sándor Márai’s 1942 novel Embers. The production is being overseen by Lantos.

The screenplay has been written by Academy Award winner Christopher Hampton (Dangerous Liaisons, 1988). The Hungarian National Film Institute has confirmed that filming is under way, with much of the production taking place at studios in Fót.

The actors have been in Budapest since the spring and have been seen at several locations across the capital. Rosenstein, however, appears to be a favoured stop.

Acclaimed cast and crew

Hungarian news agency reported before that the film is directed by Academy Award winner István Szabó (Mephisto). The cast includes Charlotte Rampling, Katherine Langford, Louis Hofmann, Gijs Blom, Evelyne Brochu and Jonah Russell.

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Plot and production

Described as a “psychological duel”, the film follows two former friends, Henrik (Fiennes) and Konrád (Mortensen), who reunite decades after a mysterious separation. Over the course of a single evening, they confront the secret that divided them, centred on a woman.

The score is composed by Mychael Danna. The creative team also includes production designer Attila Kovács, cinematographer Dániel Garas, costume designer Bea Merkovits, editor David Wharnsby and casting director Nina Gold.

The project is a co-production between Serendipity Point Films, HGO Films and Potboiler Productions. Hungary’s Media Support and Asset Management Fund (MTVA) is participating as a co-production partner, in line with a government-backed support agreement. Additional backing comes from Beta Film, Bell Media and CBC Films.

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