Mayday Premieres: Critics Praise Reynolds, Branagh

The Cold War-era spy comedy "Mayday," starring Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh, has premiered on Apple TV to generally positive reviews, with critics highlighting the chemistry between its leads and Kenneth Branagh's performance as a standout element. The film, directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, began streaming on Friday, September 4, 2026. Set in 1987, "Mayday" follows Reynolds as Troy "Assassin" Kelly, a U.S. Navy fighter pilot forced to eject over Soviet Russia during a covert intelligence mission. He is subsequently taken in by Nikolai Ustinov, portrayed by Branagh, an eccentric former KGB agent with a deep fascination for American pop culture. Their unlikely pairing leads them on a chaotic journey through Soviet territory, evading Soviet security forces and navigating dangerous situations, including a hijacked vehicle armed with a nuclear warhead. The narrative draws comparisons to classic buddy comedies like "Midnight Run" and action films such as "Top Gun." Reviewers have largely praised the film's blend of action and humor, with many noting the infectious enthusiasm of Reynolds and Branagh.