Apple TV’s Mayday arrives as one of 2026’s most anticipated action thrillers, blending Cold War tension with buddy-comedy chaos. Ryan Reynolds headlines the film as a stranded U.S. pilot forced to survive behind enemy lines in Soviet Russia. Kenneth Branagh co-stars as his unlikely ally, a gruff ex-KGB agent with a surprising love for American culture.

Directed by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley, the movie promises high-stakes action, sharp humor, and a dynamic pairing unlike anything either actor has done before. With a supporting cast that includes Maria Bakalova, Marcin Dorociński, and David Morse, Mayday builds a world where enemies must become friends to survive.

So who exactly is playing whom in this high-flying thriller?

Ryan Reynolds as Lieutenant Troy “Assassin” Kelly: Reynolds plays Troy Kelly, a hotshot U.S. Navy pilot on a secret reconnaissance mission during the Cold War. After his aircraft is compromised over Soviet territory in 1987, he ejects and becomes stranded in the frozen Russian wilderness. Troy must rely on an unlikely ally while trying to escape enemy territory.

Kenneth Branagh as Nikolai Ustinov: Branagh portrays Nikolai, a former KGB agent who now lives as a carpenter in isolation. After discovering Troy, he becomes essential to the pilot’s survival. His unexpected affection for American culture adds humor to their uneasy partnership.

Maria Bakalova as Anna Ustinov: Bakalova plays Anna, Nikolai’s daughter, who becomes caught up in the escape. Her involvement gives the story an emotional dimension while connecting the two central characters.

Marcin Dorociński as Alexander Volkov: Dorociński portrays the Soviet officer pursuing Troy and Nikolai. His relentless presence keeps pressure on the fugitives as they attempt to reach safety.

David Morse as Harold Kelly: Morse plays Troy’s father, bringing another personal element to the Cold War adventure and grounding the pilot’s motivations.

Ryan Reynolds’ ‘Mayday’: All We Know about the High Flying Action Spectacle

With this unusual ensemble establishing the film’s central escape, Reynolds’ other major franchise continues generating plenty of speculation.

Deadpool’s future in the MCU remains one of the most talked-about mysteries following Deadpool & Wolverine. At San Diego Comic-Con 2026, Ryan Reynolds made a surprise appearance in Hall H wearing a grey Deadpool suit, jokingly asking the Avengers: Doomsday panel for a role in the upcoming film.

Robert Downey Jr, appearing as Doctor Doom, playfully rejected the request onstage, continuing the running gag that Deadpool is not officially part of the cast. Despite the joke, Reynolds later appeared via audio at D23 2026 alongside Hugh Jackman, where the two again begged for parts in Doomsday, further fueling speculation.

Leaked photos from the set have reportedly shown Deadpool and Wolverine alongside Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man, suggesting both characters will appear in some capacity. Marvel has not confirmed these cameos, but the persistent teasing points toward a significant role for Deadpool in the multiversal conflict of Doomsday.

Ryan Reynolds’ Wildly Funny Take on Kenneth Branagh’s New Apple TV+ Role

What do you think about Ryan Reynolds’ potential MCU return? Let us know in the comments.