A Hollywood thriller was being filmed in front of the Esplanade Hotel on Monday, with scenes of war barricades and extras in Ukrainian uniforms echoing through the city center.
On Monday, August 10, 2026, Zagreb briefly became the epicenter of the global film industry. In Mihanovićeva Street, in front of the Esplanade Hotel, the Hollywood thriller 'Snake Island' was being shot, and on set were Oscar winner Adrien Brody, acclaimed director Doug Liman, and, according to unofficial reports, the legendary Sean Penn.
Passersby in downtown Zagreb witnessed an unusual sight. Along Mihanovićeva Street, sandbags and barricades were set up, with extras dressed in military uniforms bearing Ukrainian insignia walking around. Film cameras and a large crew momentarily transformed Zagreb's everyday life into the set of a high-budget thriller.
Adrien Brody spent the morning filming scenes in front of the Esplanade. According to eyewitnesses, the actor convincingly portrayed anger as he entered and exited the hotel while talking on his phone. During breaks, director Doug Liman, known for the Jason Bourne series and his collaboration with Tom Cruise, gave him detailed instructions. Although he wasn't seen on set that day, Sean Penn was confirmed to be in Zagreb. Pixsell photographers captured the Oscar winner in front of the Esplanade Hotel, where he was present for the filming of the new movie.
'Snake Island' is a thriller inspired by real events related to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. The plot focuses on allegations of sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline in 2022 and follows a secret team of Ukrainian divers on a dangerous underwater mission. The story is set in the months just before the Russian invasion, during a time of rising geopolitical tensions. Doug Liman, the director also known for hits like 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith' and 'The Bourne Identity,' is leading this ambitious project.
According to information available since July 2026, the film is in active production with planned shooting in Croatia. An official release date has not yet been announced.
