By: Michael Jacobs – Senior Correspondent | Movie Entertainment
LAS VEGAS, NV — (July 14, 2026) — Apple TV has released the first official trailer for Mayday, its highly anticipated action-comedy starring Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh, giving audiences their first look at a high-stakes Cold War adventure that blends explosive action, sharp humor and an unlikely friendship. The Apple Original Film premieres exclusively on September 4, 2026.
Directed by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley, the filmmaking duo behind Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, Mayday pairs Reynolds’ signature comedic timing with a globe-spanning survival story that quickly evolves into an entertaining buddy comedy.
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A Mission Gone Terribly Wrong
The film follows hotshot U.S. Navy pilot Lieutenant Troy “Assassin” Kelly (Ryan Reynolds), who is assigned to a classified mission deep inside Soviet territory during the height of the Cold War. When the operation collapses, Kelly crash lands behind enemy lines with little hope of rescue.
His fate changes when he encounters Nikolai Ustinov (Kenneth Branagh), a hardened former KGB agent whose fascination with American culture creates one of the trailer’s most entertaining dynamics. Rather than becoming enemies, the two reluctant allies embark on a dangerous journey across hostile territory while trying to evade Soviet forces and find a way home.
Star-Studded Cast
Alongside Reynolds and Branagh, Mayday features an impressive supporting cast that includes:
- Marcin Dorociński
- Maria Bakalova
- David Morse
The ensemble helps elevate what appears to be a film that balances large-scale action sequences with character-driven comedy and emotional storytelling.
Trailer Showcases Action, Humor and Chemistry
The newly released trailer wastes little time establishing its fast-paced tone. From aerial combat and explosive crashes to witty exchanges between Reynolds and Branagh, Mayday appears to deliver the kind of crowd-pleasing entertainment Apple TV has increasingly become known for.
Rather than relying solely on action spectacle, the preview emphasizes the growing friendship between two men from opposite sides of one of history’s most dangerous geopolitical conflicts. That chemistry could prove to be the film’s biggest strength when it premieres later this year.
When Does Mayday Premiere?
Mayday premieres Friday, September 4, 2026, exclusively on Apple TV.
Watch the Official Trailer
Production Credits
- Directed by: John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein
- Written by: Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley
- Cinematography: Barry Peterson
- Music by: Colin Stetson
- Edited by: Jamie Gross and John Lee
- Produced by: Ryan Reynolds, John Francis Daley and Johnny Pariseau
- Executive Producers: Ryan Reynolds, Dana Goldberg, Don Granger, David Ellison, John G. Scotti and George Dewey
- Production Companies: Maximum Effort, Apple Studios and Skydance Media
- Running Time: 1 hour, 51 minutes
- Apple TV – Official Website
JRL CHARTS Movie Entertainment News will continue following Mayday with new trailers, exclusive previews and streaming release updates as Apple TV prepares for its September premiere.
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