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Murcia has officially gone Hollywood again. The city’s historic centre has been transformed this week into a film set for ‘FAST’, the latest action thriller from Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan. Cameras, cranes and prop cars have filled the cobbled streets as Warner Bros turned Murcia into a stand-in for Budapest for some high-octane filming.

 

This major production, starring American actor Brandon Sklenar and directed by Ben Richardson, has been drawing plenty of onlookers hoping for a glimpse of the stars.

 

“We’re here because we want to see the actors, but they’re nowhere to be seen,” laughed local resident Esteban Hurtado as crowds gathered along the closed streets. “Some people are angry about the closures, but you have to understand that they’re bringing money into the city,” he added.

 

 

This isn’t the first time Murcia has doubled for the Hungarian capital. Back in the 1970s, the Casino and Romea Theatre were used in the Christopher Lee classic Count Dracula. But this time, it’s on a much grander scale. The shoot involved street closures across the old town, including Trapería, Barrionuevo, Escultor Nicolás Salzillo and several nearby squares. Even the city’s tourist signs were covered with vinyl wraps to complete the Budapest illusion.

 

Hundreds of Murcians also got to play their part. Around 500 local extras were recruited for the day, taking on everyday roles like strolling through the plaza or sipping coffee on terraces; all under the bright glare of Hollywood lighting.

 

 

Beyond the cinematic buzz, the filming has had a clear economic impact. Councillor for Tourism, Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Jesús Pacheco, confirmed that 408 hotel rooms were booked for the film crew, with some staying for up to a week. Nearby cafés and restaurants were “packed” with crew members and curious locals alike, and affected businesses were compensated by the production company.

 

Pacheco said the event “puts Murcia on the map as a destination for this type of filmmaking” and brings the city closer to “joining the club of great cities featured in movies.”

 

For the Region, attracting a Warner Bros production is further proof that its strategy to draw in international film projects is paying off. Between the Murcia Film Commission and the Audiovisual Hub, the area has already hosted big titles like Venom in Cartagena and now, Hollywood’s cameras have rolled right through Murcia’s heart once again.

 

For a few days at least, the city has traded its tapas bars for movie trailers. And with FAST expected to hit cinemas in 2027, Murcia’s starring role is set to shine far beyond Spain’s borders.

 

 

Image: Ayuntamiento de Murcia