For a few weeks now Budapest has been buzzing with sightings of Dakota and Elle Fanning, who are currently shooting The Nightingale in Hungary. After filming a few scenes in Budapest, production has now moved to Szentendre (a small town about 30 minutes from Budapest).
The story is set in the quiet village in France. It centers on Vianne Mauriac (Dakota) and her younger sister Isabelle (Elle) as they navigate their lives in the Nazi-occupied country. This marks the first time the sisters are sharing the screen.
The production is easy to recognize because of retro cars and cast members dressed in period-accurate costumes, as well as French street signs around the filming area. Elle Fanning was first noticed at Liberty Square in full costume.
Elle Fanning was recently spotted on the set of ‘The Nightingale’ in Budapest, Hungary. pic.twitter.com/GKb8gyDv6p
— Elle Fanning Central 👽 (@ellecentral) April 17, 2026
Later production moved to Budapest’s 5th District, taking over the streets around Károlyi Garden for several days.
“Nightingale” shooting in Budapest at Károlyi Garden. Photo: Hungary Today
Several scenes were shot in front of a bookstore, with retro cars, old-fashioned bikes and numerous extras creating the atmosphere of WWII France.
“Nightingale” shooting in Budapest at the Hungarian National Gallery. Photo: Hungary Today
The same props could be seen at the Hungarian National Gallery and around the Opera. Recently the cast and crew of The Nightingale was seen in Szentendre.
“Nightingale” shooting in Szentendre. Photo: Hungary Today
The Szentendre.hu portal previously mentioned “filming for a story set during World War II will begin on May 4 in downtown Szentendre” and that set pieces and props will be on display during filming.
“Nightingale” shooting in Szentendre. Photo: Hungary Today
For Dakota Fanning this is not the first time shooting in the Hungarian capital. Filming for the American TV show The Alienist took place in Budapest in 2017. She apparently enjoyed filming in Hungary because this time she returned to Kispiac Bistro with her sister. The restaurant documented the visit on their social media page, writing: “On Tuesday evening, we welcomed some special guests for dinner: Dakota and Elle Fanning stopped by! It was not a coincidence that they were here… In fact, the greatest honor for us is that they returned as repeat customers.”
The film is due for theatrical release on February 12, 2027.
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Via Szentendre.hu; Featured photo: Hungary Today
