Mayday directors transform Kenneth Branagh into John Wick
The KGB and the Comedy: How Kenneth Branagh Mastered the Action in Apple TV’s Mayday
The premise of Mayday throws us into the improbable orbit of an American and a Russian odd couple, starring Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh. While the comedic chemistry between the two stars is undeniable, the film surprises audiences by revealing that the real action—and the heavy lifting—comes from the unexpected source: the celebrated actor Branagh.
Despite Ryan Reynolds frequently donning the mantle of the witty, dual-katana-wielding Deadpool, it is Branagh’s former KGB agent who proves to be the far more formidable fighter in the chaos of Mayday. The filmmakers, Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley, emphasized that the 65-year-old Branagh was not merely playing a role; he brought a deep, hands-on approach to the action and the comedy, earning widespread acclaim for his commitment.
“He was super hands-on,” Daley shared about Branagh’s approach to the project. “He did a lot of the rehearsals with our stunt coordinators, and he put a level of emphasis into everything that we were so lucky to have.”
The film pits Reynolds, a US Air Force pilot, against a desperate situation when he crash-lands behind enemy lines in Russia. His survival hinges not on luck, but on the relentless skill of his unlikely savior, Nikolai Ustinov, a man whose obsession with American pop culture, including everything from McDonald’s to classic Top Gun, provides.
When the stakes are highest, it is Ustinov who handles the physical confrontation, demonstrating a remarkable ability to navigate the action with deadpan charm. The film features impressive, gritty action sequences, including a high-octane car chase involving a nuclear missile truck that was filmed for real in Budapest.
The production itself was a massive undertaking. To capture the necessary scale for the chaotic scenes, the filmmakers immersed themselves in the heart of the action. They filmed in Budapest, utilizing the city and its facilities, bringing in over 1000 extras and actual Soviet tanks to enhance the authenticity of the experience.
Beyond the physical thrills, the film is a masterclass in casting, proving that dramatic actors can deliver truly hilarious material. The directors find that when actors commit to a role with the seriousness of a drama, the resulting comedy is often the most engaging.
The dynamic between the two leads is a perfect blend of high-stakes action and genuine wit, turning a mismatched pairing into a compelling story about loyalty, combat, and cultural collision. As Mayday hits Apple TV on September 4, it offers a dose of adrenaline, laughter, and undeniable cinematic quality.
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