'Matrix 4' filming: SF comes face-to-face with low-flying helicopters, late-night explosions

Keanu Reeves arrives for his handprint ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX forecourt on May 14, 2019 in Hollywood. As filming for "Matrix 4" continues, downtown SF residents have found themselves experiencing close encounters with shocking pyrotechnics and special effects. less Keanu Reeves arrives for his handprint ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX forecourt on May 14, 2019 in Hollywood. As filming for "Matrix 4" continues, downtown SF residents have found themselves ... more Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close 'Matrix 4' filming: SF comes face-to-face with low-flying helicopters, late-night explosions 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

Recent “Matrix 4” filming made for a bewildering sight — or at the very least, an unexpected alarm clock for caught-off-guard Financial District residents.

Low-flying helicopters emitted a deafening roar, hovering as low as 300 feet from the sidewalk beneath them, as explosions lit up the night sky. The sound of their blasts echoing between buildings could reportedly be heard from miles away.

“It sounds like 'Tokyo Drift' near Twin Peaks right now,” commented one unsuspecting Redditor.

Matrix 4 creating a war zone in downtown San Francisco. Super low flying helicopters and explosions right on Market and Pine St. pic.twitter.com/a2dMkUIoNS — Alberto Tretti (@albertotretti) February 23, 2020

The leaves of trees lining Pine and Market street helplessly fluttered as the aerial crafts approached a bit too close for comfort. Crowds of people began to cluster in the streets, struck with sheer bewilderment.

In a tip-off issued by AlertSF, the community was warned of the planned flyover and staged pyrotechnics taking place from 6 p.m. to midnight Saturday and early Sunday morning from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. If you missed out on the action (or need to grab yourself a pair of earplugs), similar special effects are scheduled for tonight, again from 6 p.m. to midnight.

MORE: Video of 'Matrix 4' stunt doubles leaping from SF skyscraper isn’t for the faint of heart

Meanwhile in Potrero Hill, it looks like Anchor Brewing will have a cameo in the sequel to "Venom," which also continues to film throughout the city. The brewery and distillery appeared covered by the facade of a police station for the movie, and actors were executing some pretty impressive jump stunts on the side of the building on Saturday night.

The SF Film Commission also confirmed Monday morning the Park Gas & Food on 7th Street in West Oakland served as a shooting location for "Venom 2" on Sunday afternoon. The gas station was seen bordered by orange caution cones, crew and cameras. As one eagle-eyed Reddit user pointed out, the same location was used for filming a heart-wrenching scene in Ryan Coogler's "Fruitvale Station" during the summer of 2012.

ALSO: SF gets first glimpse at Woody Harrelson's 'Venom 2' villain Carnage while film shoots downtown

Earlier in the week, one woman witnessed a peculiar mechanism being used in downtown San Francisco: manufactured rainfall, used to generate a moody atmosphere next to Grace Cathedral during filming for "Venom 2." This was just after she encountered police extras from "Matrix 4" at a downtown café, making her walk home that evening one to remember.

"Weird night in SF," she wrote.

Even weirder yet, Mayor London Breed reportedly agreed to appear in "Matrix 4," taking on a minor role in the midst of a recent public corruption scandal. The Examiner received confirmation from the mayor's office that she will appear in the movie, and alleges her scene may have already been filmed on Thursday evening in the Financial District.

It's unclear if Breed will be playing herself or if she'll surprise us as yet another depiction of the film's simulated reality.

Amanda Bartlett is an SFGATE associate digital reporter. Email: amanda.bartlett@sfgate.com | Twitter: @byabartlett