Hollywood actor Brad Pitt arrived at Athens City Hall on Friday afternoon to film scenes for the upcoming movie The Riders, drawing attention from locals and visitors in the busy Greek capital. Authorities temporarily closed Athinas Street shortly after 4 p.m. as production crews prepared the area for filming outside the historic municipal building.
Brad Pitt arrives in Athens for filming
Brad Pitt stepped out of a black SUV and briefly greeted a small crowd that had gathered to see the Oscar-winning actor. After acknowledging several onlookers, he entered the building to begin filming.
Local media reported that production teams are using the municipal registry office hall inside Athens City Hall for several scenes. Crew members, security personnel, and technical staff were stationed around the building while preparations continued inside.
Βίντεο του in: Η στιγμή που ο Μπράντ Πιτ φτάνει στο Δημαρχείο Αθηναίων στην πλατεία Κοτζιά
🎥 @dimperros #ingr #bradpitt #Αθηνα pic.twitter.com/eq9V9Ogo9t
— in.gr/news (@in_gr) March 6, 2026
Traffic in the surrounding area was briefly disrupted due to the street closure and the presence of film equipment. Authorities worked with the production team to manage the movement of vehicles and pedestrians during the shoot.
Earlier in the day, actress Julianne Nicholson, who plays Pitt’s wife in the film, was also seen arriving at the location. The actress portraying Pitt’s daughter in the story arrived shortly before the main filming began.
The Riders brings international production to Athens
The Riders is directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Edward Berger and is based on the 1994 novel by Australian author Tim Winton. The story follows a man who searches across Europe for his missing wife after she suddenly disappears during a family trip.
The film has attracted international attention as production moves through several European locations.
Filming expected to continue near Athens
Filming in Greece is expected to continue in the coming days. According to local reports, upcoming scenes will be shot in the coastal area of Nea Makri, east of Athens.
OMG! Brad Pitt is one of our Greek men struggling to feed their children working outdoors!
Ops! He was just filming at the Athens City Hall on Fri afternoon. pic.twitter.com/XRNIOzDR1v— Keep Talking Greece (@keeptalkingGR) March 6, 2026
The production has also filmed scenes on the Greek island of Hydra, where the island’s historic harbor was temporarily transformed into a large movie set. Brad Pitt was seen shooting an arrival scene near the waterfront alongside a co-star, arriving by a vintage blue-and-yellow motorboat. The high-profile filming drew attention from residents and visitors as crews worked around the picturesque harbor.
Popular destination for film productions
Athens has become an increasingly popular destination for international film productions in recent years. Greek authorities have introduced tax incentives and support programs aimed at attracting foreign filmmakers. Officials say the initiatives help promote Greece as a filming hub while supporting tourism and local economic activity.
Pitt’s appearance in central Athens quickly drew interest from passersby and tourists, many of whom stopped to watch the production crews at work.
Officials have not announced additional road closures but advised drivers to expect minor delays in parts of the city center while filming continues.
