Kenneth Branagh prepares for action role in ‘Mayday’

Actor Kenneth Branagh, 65, is taking on an action-oriented role in the upcoming Apple TV+ film ‘Mayday’. In the production, Branagh portrays Nikolai, a former KGB agent.

To prepare for the physical demands of the role, Branagh underwent three weeks of intensive stunt training, yoga, and stretching exercises. He noted that at his age, he requires more time to warm up and recover. Branagh expressed a desire to perform much of the action himself to satisfy the directors' vision of using wide shots rather than relying heavily on stunt doubles or digital effects. Despite the preparation, the actor reported sustaining minor injuries during the process.