Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh are teaming up for a very different kind of action movie — one that mixes Cold War espionage, ’80s nostalgia, explosive action and plenty of comedy.
In a new interview with ABS-CBN News, the two stars opened up about their new Apple TV film, “Mayday,” and reflected on their experiences in Hollywood as they continue taking on new challenges with age.
The film, which premieres globally on Apple TV on September 4, follows U.S. Navy pilot Lieutenant Troy “Assassin” Kelly, played by Reynolds. During a top-secret mission over Soviet territory in 1987, Troy is shot down and stranded deep behind enemy lines.
His unlikely lifeline is Nikolai Ustinov, a former KGB agent portrayed by Branagh.
Rather than becoming Troy’s enemy, Nikolai decides to help the American pilot survive and escape. The catch? Nikolai is a deeply unconventional former intelligence operative with an obsession with American culture — particularly the 1986 blockbuster “Top Gun.”
That unlikely relationship becomes the heart of “Mayday.”
According to Apple TV’s official synopsis, Troy initially believes he is in serious danger after being discovered by Nikolai. But the two eventually form an alliance as they attempt to get Troy to safety.
The setup deliberately turns the familiar Cold War spy formula on its head. Instead of portraying the American and Soviet characters as straightforward enemies, filmmakers John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein use their relationship to explore the assumptions and stereotypes surrounding patriotism and the Cold War.
Recent interviews with the filmmakers and Reynolds also highlight the movie’s connection to “Top Gun.” Reynolds has spoken about seeing the Tom Cruise classic as a child and how strongly it influenced his fascination with fighter jets and aviation. Branagh, meanwhile, recalled the movie as representing the kind of larger-than-life filmmaking that defined the era.
But “Mayday” is not simply a nostalgia trip.
The Associated Press describes the film as an irreverent Cold War action comedy, with Branagh playing an ex-KGB agent who has developed an unusual affection for American culture. Reynolds plays the more familiar cocky, sarcastic action hero — a personality that becomes especially effective when contrasted with Branagh’s eccentric character.
The contrast between the two actors may ultimately be one of the movie’s biggest attractions.
A Los Angeles Times review similarly praised the pairing, describing “Mayday” as a buddy adventure that combines Cold War intrigue with the spirit of classic action comedies and ’80s pop culture. The film also draws inspiration from movies such as “Top Gun” and “Lethal Weapon.”
Beyond the jokes and action, however, the story also explores how two people who have been taught to see each other as enemies can discover unexpected similarities.
That idea gives “Mayday” more emotional weight than its action-comedy premise might initially suggest.
The film was written, directed and produced by Daley and Goldstein, the filmmaking team behind “Game Night” and “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.” The cast also includes Maria Bakalova, Marcin Dorociński and David Morse.
“Mayday” is scheduled to make its worldwide streaming debut on Apple TV on September 4, just days after its New York world premiere.
And while Reynolds may be the movie’s biggest marquee name, early reviews suggest Branagh’s performance could end up being one of the film’s biggest surprises.
The unlikely pairing of a wisecracking American pilot and a bearded former KGB operative may sound absurd on paper.
On screen, that may be exactly what makes it work.
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