Apple Original Films has released the first trailer for Mayday, an upcoming action comedy starring Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh. The film is scheduled to premiere on Apple TV on September 4. Set during the Cold War, the story follows an unexpected partnership between an American Navy pilot and a former Soviet intelligence officer.
Ryan Reynolds plays Lieutenant Troy “Assassin” Kelly, a skilled U.S. Navy pilot who is assigned a highly classified mission inside Russian territory. However, the operation does not go as planned, leaving him stranded behind enemy lines with no immediate way to escape. While trying to survive, Kelly is discovered by Nikolai Ustinov, played by Kenneth Branagh, a former KGB agent who has an unusual interest in American culture.
At the beginning of the trailer, a voice announces, “You are now crossing Soviet airspace.” The next scene shows Kelly tied to a bed after being rescued. Nikolai says, “Oh good, you have not died.”
Kelly, confused about what has happened, asks, “Who are you?” before adding, “Why am I tied to the bed?”
Nikolai replies, “So you would not move during the surgery.”
A surprised Kelly then asks, “Surgery, what surgery?”
Nikolai explains, “In your leg, I repaired an artery.”
He then adds with complete honesty, “You screamed a lot, but that is my fault, because I don’t have proper anesthesia.”
The trailer mixes action with comedy, highlighting the growing friendship between two men from opposite sides of the Cold War. Although they begin as strangers with very different backgrounds, circumstances force them to work together, leading to an unlikely bond.
The film also stars Marcin Dorocinski, Maria Bakalova and David Morse in important roles.
Mayday has been written, directed and produced by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein. The film is produced by Skydance Media, with David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger serving as producers. Ashley Fox and Johnny Pariseau are producing through Maximum Effort, while Ryan Reynolds and George Dewey are also producers under the same banner. John G. Scotti is attached to the project as an executive producer.
With its mix of action, humour and Cold War drama, Mayday brings together Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh in a story built around survival, unexpected teamwork and cultural differences. The film is set to premiere on Apple TV on September 4.