Writer-directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein are bringing a Cold War-era buddy action-comedy to Apple TV+ on Sept. 4 with their latest project, Mayday.
Aviation Realism and the “Hard Deck” Standard
While Mayday did not have direct U.S. Navy cooperation, the production maintained technical accuracy through the involvement of producer David Ellison. According to Daley and Goldstein, Ellison—a pilot himself—provided specific oversight to ensure the film’s aerial maneuvers remained grounded in reality. The directors highlighted the “hard deck” as a key technical detail; this is the simulated ground level established at 5,000 feet above the actual terrain to prevent crashes during maneuvers. Goldstein noted that Ellison’s notes on such specifics were rare for a studio executive but essential for maintaining the film’s authenticity.
Genre Blending: From Misery to Buddy Comedy
The film’s marketing, developed by AV Squad, aims to subvert audience expectations regarding tone. Daley explains that the initial setup, which sees Reynolds’ character, Troy “Assassin” Kelly, crashing behind enemy lines and being cared for by a former KGB officer, is intended to feel like a “spiritual cousin” to Stephen King’s Misery. This tonal shift allows the film to move from a suspense-driven thriller setup into a fast-paced buddy comedy. The directors used improvisation to flesh out this dynamic, including an alternate line from Reynolds, “I don’t love Russia,” which was selected for the trailer because it conveyed the character’s frustration without requiring extensive context.
Practical Stunt Work and the Jackie Chan Influence
The production prioritized visible fight choreography over rapid editing, a technique Daley and Goldstein describe as a tribute to Jackie Chan’s action films of the late 20th century. Kenneth Branagh, known primarily for his Shakespearean background, committed to performing his own stunts. Goldstein recalled seeing Branagh rehearse moves early on set, often “mumbling the moves to himself like a crazy person” to ensure precision. By opting for longer cuts, the directors aimed to show the physical toll on the stunt team, noting that they lacked the luxury of digital pads to hide the impact of the fights.
Production Challenges: The Art of the “Bad Haircut”
Daley and Goldstein, who previously directed Game Night and Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, emphasized that even minor details required significant effort. One scene involving a young boy meeting Reynolds required a specific, unflattering haircut. Goldstein described the process as a “real battle” with the hair department, as professionals are trained to provide quality cuts, requiring the directors to actively insist on a purposefully poor aesthetic to fit the scene’s comedic tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Mayday being released?
Apple will release Mayday on streaming on Sept. 4.
Who are the stars of Mayday?
The film stars Ryan Reynolds as Troy “Assassin” Kelly and Kenneth Branagh as Nikolai Ustinov.
What inspired the action sequences in Mayday?
The directors cited 1980s and 1990s Jackie Chan films as the primary influence for the movie’s long-cut, choreography-focused fight scenes.
Are you looking forward to seeing Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh team up in this Cold War action-comedy? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more behind-the-scenes insights into upcoming film releases.
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