# Release and audience reception of Apple TV+ film Mayday

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/release-of-apple-tv-film-mayday
> Updated: 2026-09-07T04:43:08.000Z. Sources: 61. Developments: 6.

Following its September 4, 2026, premiere on Apple TV+, the Cold War action-comedy ‘Mayday’ has seen a divergence between critical and audience reception. While critics have maintained positive sentiment, the film has debuted to a divided response from viewers, earning a 66% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes compared to its 81% critic score. This audience rating marks one of Ryan Reynolds’ lower-rated projects on the platform.

Reflecting on the production, Kenneth Branagh, who portrays the eccentric former KGB agent Nikolai Ustinov, shared details regarding his preparation for the film’s physical demands. To support the directors’ preference for wide shots and minimal reliance on digital effects or stunt doubles, the 65-year-old actor underwent three weeks of intensive stunt training, yoga, and stretching. Branagh noted that his age required more time for warm-ups and recovery, and he reported sustaining minor injuries during the training process.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-07: Kenneth Branagh prepares for action role in ‘Mayday’

Kenneth Branagh, 65, underwent intensive stunt training to play a former KGB agent in the upcoming Apple TV+ film ‘Mayday’.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kenneth-branagh-prepares-for-action-role-in-mayday

### 2026-09-07: Mayday film starring Ryan Reynolds receives mixed audience reviews

Ryan Reynolds’ new Apple TV action-comedy Mayday has debuted to mixed audience reviews despite positive critical reception on Rotten Tomatoes.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mayday-film-starring-ryan-reynolds-receives-mixed-audience-reviews

### 2026-09-04: Ryan Reynolds stars in Apple TV opening for Mayday

Apple TV released the opening scene of ‘Mayday’, a Cold War action-comedy starring Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh, following a pilot's crash landing in Soviet territory.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryan-reynolds-stars-in-apple-tv-opening-for-mayday

### 2026-09-03: Maria Bakalova attends Mayday premiere in New York

Actress Maria Bakalova joined Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh for the New York premiere of the action-comedy Mayday, which is set to debut on Apple TV on September 4.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maria-bakalova-attends-mayday-premiere-in-new-york

### 2026-09-02: Mayday film starring Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh premieres on Apple TV+

The new Apple TV+ action-comedy ‘Mayday’, starring Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh, has premiered to positive critical reviews, earning praise for its Cold War setting and lead performances.

41 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mayday-film-starring-ryan-reynolds-and-kenneth-branagh-receives-positive-reviews

### 2026-08-31: Mayday film starring Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh to premiere on Apple TV+

Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh star in the Cold War action-comedy ‘Mayday’, premiering September 4, 2026, on Apple TV+.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryan-reynolds-and-kenneth-branagh-to-star-in-apple-tv-film-mayday

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Cite as: Release and audience reception of Apple TV+ film Mayday. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/release-of-apple-tv-film-mayday