Ryan Reynolds, Kenneth Branagh Team Up for Spy Comedy 'Mayday'

The action-packed buddy comedy with a spy twist will premiere on Apple TV+ in September.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Actors Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh have joined forces for a new spy comedy film titled 'Mayday.' The movie, which is described as an action-packed buddy comedy with a spy twist, will premiere on Apple TV+ on September 4. In the film, Reynolds plays a U.S. Navy pilot who gets stuck behind enemy lines in Russia during the Cold War, and Branagh portrays a former KGB agent who unexpectedly helps him survive and find a way out.

Why it matters

The pairing of Reynolds and Branagh, two acclaimed actors with diverse backgrounds, is an intriguing one that promises to deliver a unique and entertaining take on the spy genre. The film's blend of action, comedy, and unexpected camaraderie is likely to appeal to a wide audience and could potentially become a hit for Apple TV+.

The details

In 'Mayday,' Reynolds plays Lieutenant Troy 'Assassin' Kelly, a U.S. Navy pilot who is sent on a secret mission into Russian territory during the Cold War. When things go wrong, Troy finds himself stuck behind enemy lines. He is then discovered by Nikolai Ustinov, played by Kenneth Branagh, a former KGB agent who has a surprising love for American culture. Instead of turning Troy in, Nikolai forms an unexpected bond with him, and the two men work together to survive and find a way out of their predicament.

  • The film will premiere on Apple TV+ on September 4, 2026.

The players

Ryan Reynolds

An acclaimed actor known for his roles in films such as Deadpool and Wolverine.

Kenneth Branagh

A renowned actor and director who has directed films like Belfast, Death on the Nile, and A Haunting in Venice.

John Francis Daley

The writer, director, and producer of the film, who previously worked on Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.

Jonathan Goldstein

The writer, director, and producer of the film, who previously worked on Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.

Skydance Media

The production company behind the film, which has a deal with Apple TV+.

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What’s next

The film's release on Apple TV+ on September 4, 2026 will be a key milestone to watch for, as it could potentially become a hit for the streaming platform and further solidify the collaboration between Reynolds, Branagh, and the filmmaking team.

The takeaway

The upcoming spy comedy 'Mayday' represents an exciting and unexpected pairing of two acclaimed actors, Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh, who will bring their unique talents and perspectives to the genre. The film's blend of action, comedy, and unexpected camaraderie is likely to appeal to a wide audience and could potentially become a standout hit for Apple TV+.