Hollywood is set to bring the Cold War back to life with the upcoming film “Mayday,” a high-stakes adventure that will unite two of the industry’s most charismatic stars, Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh. Set in the politically charged year of 1987, the film promises to blend intense drama with a touch of humor, against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world.
“Mayday” is an HBSVOD feature slated for release on Apple TV+, produced by Skydance Media and Midway Pictures, LLC. With the project’s pre-production in full swing, the film is scheduled to commence shooting on February 5th, with filming locations set across San Diego, CA, Montreal, and Budapest.
The project is under the creative helm of writer-director duo John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein. They are backed by a team of established producers, including David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Don Granger, Ashley Fox, Johnny Pariseau, Patrick Gooing, and George Dewey.
The story unfolds with Lieutenant Troy “Apache” Brennan, portrayed by Ryan Reynolds, a daring naval aviator who finds himself embroiled in a top-secret surveillance mission over Soviet airspace. Things take a turn for the worse when he is forced to eject over the Russian wilderness. Injured and disoriented, Brennan‘s fate changes when he crosses paths with Nikolai Ustinov, played by Kenneth Branagh. Brennan‘s initial uncertainty over Ustinov‘s intentions slowly transforms into a trust-based alliance as they navigate through treacherous terrains and political uncertainties.
As the duo maneuvers their way across hostile territory, aiming to find a safe passage back home, they are constantly shadowed by the looming threat of the Cold War. The film promises to capture the essence of this era – the tension, the politics, and the underlying human emotions – all while weaving in moments of humor and camaraderie.
The casting is led by Mindy Marin, who brings together the dynamic pairing of Reynolds and Branagh, promising a blend of action, wit, and dramatic tension. With Ryan Reynolds‘ charm and Kenneth Branagh’s commanding presence, “Mayday” is poised to be a gripping tale of survival, trust, and friendship set against a turbulent historical backdrop.
Production management for this ambitious project is overseen by John Scotti and Daniel Auclair, with Amy Schmidt serving as the PM/1AD. The production team also includes Maximum Effort and Apple Studios, indicating the high level of investment and expectation surrounding this film.












