Cold War action-comedy starring Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh arrives on Apple TV+ this September
Apple TV has released the first official trailer for its upcoming original movie Mayday, giving audiences their initial look at Ryan Reynolds in a new action-comedy role. The film is set to premiere globally on September 4, 2026.
The trailer introduces Reynolds as a cocky U.S. Navy pilot whose mission takes a dangerous turn when he finds himself stranded in enemy territory during the Cold War. He eventually teams up with an unlikely ally played by Kenneth Branagh.
A Fresh Take on the Spy Genre
Unlike traditional spy thrillers, Mayday is being positioned as a genre-blending buddy comedy with action at its core. Early descriptions highlight the humorous dynamic between Reynolds’ character and Branagh’s ex-KGB agent, who has an unexpected fascination with American culture.
According to Hollywood Reporter, the film flips the classic spy thriller formula by focusing on the unlikely friendship that forms between two men from opposing sides.
Star Power and Creative Team
Ryan Reynolds stars as Lieutenant Troy “Assassin” Kelly and is also producing the project through his company Maximum Effort. Kenneth Branagh co-stars in a key role, with the supporting cast featuring Maria Bakalova, Marcin Dorociński, and David Morse.
The movie is written and directed by the duo behind Game Night — Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley. Apple’s official site describes Mayday as a high-concept action comedy set against the backdrop of Cold War tensions.
What the Trailer Reveals
The newly released trailer showcases high-energy action sequences alongside moments of sharp humor between the two leads. It also gives viewers a glimpse of the film’s visual style, which mixes period authenticity with modern pacing.
9to5Mac reported that Apple TV is positioning Mayday as one of its major film releases of 2026, following the success of previous star-driven originals.
Release Details
- Premiere Date: September 4, 2026
- Platform: Exclusively on Apple TV+
- Format: Streaming premiere (no theatrical release)
The film marks another big swing for Apple TV+ as it continues to invest in premium original movies alongside its popular series.
Early Buzz
With the first trailer now live, early reactions from fans and critics have been largely positive, with many excited to see Reynolds in a new type of role that combines action with comedy. ScreenRant and ComicBook.com have both covered the trailer release and the growing anticipation for the film.
Mayday is expected to be one of the more talked-about Apple Original Films when it arrives this September.
