Home / Arts and Entertainment / Ryan Reynolds' Call Saved Mayday Shoot
Ryan Reynolds' Call Saved Mayday Shoot
8 Sep
Summary
- Ryan Reynolds' call to Budapest's mayor saved a pivotal scene.
- 1,000 extras and crew, 1,000 uniforms, and tanks were ready.
- Mayday stars Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh, out Sept. 4.
The production of the film Mayday faced a significant setback when Budapest withdrew permission to film a crucial May Day parade scene in Heroes' Square. Over 1,000 extras, 1,000 custom uniforms, and a dozen Soviet tanks were prepared for the shoot. Director John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein were in a difficult position until star Ryan Reynolds intervened by contacting the mayor of Budapest, which successfully reinstated the filming permit.
Mayday, released on Apple TV+ on September 4, 2026, stars Ryan Reynolds as an American pilot downed in Russia during the 1980s Cold War. He is aided by an ex-KGB operative, played by Kenneth Branagh, in his quest to return home. The film's development began during the post-production of Daley and Goldstein's previous project, highlighting their desire to create an original, period piece not tied to existing intellectual property.
Daley and Goldstein, who have a long-standing creative partnership since meeting on 'The Geena Davis Show' in 2000-2001, have a notable filmography including 'Horrible Bosses,' 'Spider-Man: Homecoming,' 'Vacation,' 'Game Night,' and 'Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.' Their writing process involves extensive collaboration and verbalizing dialogue in the voices of their intended actors.
Kenneth Branagh detailed the directors' advice to 'Get here early and practice so that you can use the action beats to really tell the story of the character,' leading him to arrive weeks in advance. Despite the challenges, including a near-miss with a stunt involving a burning arm that was ultimately completed with visual effects, the film secured its shooting schedule and was well-received.
With Mayday's release, Daley and Goldstein are now focusing on Paramount's revamped Star Trek movie. Their pitch, described as 'Training Day meets Crimson Dawn,' explores darker themes of corruption while aiming to remain true to the optimistic spirit of Star Trek. This project represents a significant undertaking, as the franchise has not had a major theatrical release in a decade.
