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Action thriller

Mayday (2026): Cast, Ratings & Plot

Mayday (2026) movie poster

Mayday is a 2026 action thriller directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, starring Ryan Reynolds as Lieutenant Troy 'Assassin' Kelly, Kenneth Branagh and Maria Bakalova. It runs 1 hour 50 minutes. Critics gave it 59 on Metacritic.

Echo Score
73
Metascore
59
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Mayday (2026) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 50m (110 min)
Original language
English
After the credits
Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
The story

What Is Mayday About?

The premise of Mayday without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Hot‑shot U.S. Navy pilot Lt. Troy “Assassin” Kelly (Ryan Reynolds) is sent on a covert Cold‑War mission into Russian territory, but the operation collapses and he’s left stranded behind enemy lines. He is rescued by gruff ex‑KGB agent Nikolai Ustinov (Kenneth Branagh), a fan of American pop culture, forcing the two rivals into an uneasy partnership.

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Cast & crew

Mayday Cast & Characters

Ryan Reynolds leads the cast as Lieutenant Troy 'Assassin' Kelly, with Kenneth Branagh as Nikolai Ustinov and Maria Bakalova. Directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein; 20 actors are credited in all.

From the directors

More from John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein

More films directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, best-rated first: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, Game Night, Vacation and Audio Tour.

Ratings

Mayday Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Mayday 59 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 73/100, strongest in character & emotion (80) and weakest in story & flow (55).

73 /100

Mayday Echo Score Breakdown

Mayday delivers an entertaining Cold War buddy action comedy that leans heavily on its lead chemistry and dynamic set pieces. Critics and audiences praise the inventive camera work, period detail, and the playful banter between Reynolds and Branagh, while noting a thin narrative and occasional gratuitous subplot. The film’s humor lands unevenly for some, and its lack of depth hampers lasting impact. Overall, the movie offers solid amusement with modest replay value, landing it in the upper‑mid range of enjoyment.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 78

    In terms of art and craft, reviewers highlight inventive cinematography, fluid camera movements, and clever staging of action sequences. Both critics and users commend the period‑accurate production design and the seamless transitions that enhance visual storytelling. Some note that the film does not break new ground, yet its energetic style sustains engagement. The overall impression is that the film’s technical execution is competent and often enjoyable.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    When it comes to character and emotion, the chemistry between Reynolds and Branagh receives consistent praise for its witty interplay and complementary performances. Supporting actors are mentioned as effective, and the odd‑couple dynamic anchors the comedy. A few critics find the humor uneven, and some viewers feel Reynolds is overly familiar, but the majority view the lead pair as a strong, entertaining duo. The net assessment is a robust character foundation.

  • Story & Flow 55

    Regarding story and flow, opinions are mixed. The film is described as a brisk, escapist adventure that satisfies genre expectations, yet critics point out a lack of originality and a superficial subplot that disrupts pacing. Some reviewers enjoy the road‑movie structure, while others lament the thin narrative and predictable beats. Consequently, the story is seen as serviceable but unremarkable, limiting overall narrative depth.

  • Sensory Experience 70

    In the sensory experience domain, the movie’s visual style—particularly its high‑budget action set pieces and dynamic camera work—is frequently praised. Sound design receives little comment, but the overall audiovisual presentation supports the comedic tone. While not groundbreaking, the aesthetic choices reinforce the film’s playful atmosphere. The consensus is that the sensory elements are competent and contribute positively to the viewing experience.

  • Rewatch Factor 68

    For rewatch factor, several users note the film’s fun, light‑hearted nature and the appeal of its repeatable jokes and action moments. The chemistry of the leads and the enjoyable set pieces encourage additional viewings, though the lack of narrative depth dampens lasting impact. Overall, the movie offers moderate replay value, making it a suitable choice for casual repeat enjoyment.

Plot

Mayday Plot Summary

What happens in Mayday from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Set in the year 1987, the story begins with the high-stakes actions of US Navy Lieutenant Troy “Assassin” Kelly, played by Ryan Reynolds, who demonstrates his skill and bravery by rescuing his wingman who is unable to land on an aircraft carrier. Following this successful landing, Kelly is recruited for a highly sensitive and covert reconnaissance mission over Russian territory. He is tasked with flying the advanced SR-71 Blackbird alongside US Air Force pilot Major Sanders. However, the mission takes a tragic turn when they are intercepted by a MiG fighter jet, resulting in the death of Major Sanders. In a desperate and bold maneuver, Troy forces a collision with the MiG before ejecting from his aircraft.

Full summary

The whole story of Mayday, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

Mayday Trailers & Videos

4 videos: 1 trailer and 3 featurettes.

Official Trailer
  • Featurette San Diego Comic-Con Panel 2026
  • Featurette Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh Go Behind the Mac
  • Featurette Official Blockbuster Release
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Mayday?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
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  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
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  10. Question 10: not answered

In what year is the story set?

Seen Mayday?

FAQ

Mayday FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Mayday, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Mayday?

Mayday runs 1 hour 50 minutes (110 minutes).

When was Mayday released?

Mayday was released on September 4, 2026.

Who directed Mayday?

Mayday was directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein.

More films by John Francis Daley

Who is in the cast of Mayday?

Mayday stars Ryan Reynolds as Lieutenant Troy 'Assassin' Kelly, Kenneth Branagh as Nikolai Ustinov and Maria Bakalova, among 20 credited actors.

How is Mayday rated?

Mayday has 59 on Metacritic and 75% on TMDB.

Does Mayday have a post-credit scene?

Yes. Mayday has an extra scene during or after the credits, so it is worth staying seated.

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