Kenneth Branagh is stepping into action territory for the upcoming Apple TV film “Mayday,” where he plays a former KGB operative opposite Ryan Reynolds. Despite not being traditionally known for action roles, Branagh was eager to take on the challenge and consulted with the film’s directors about the best approach. Their advice was straightforward: arrive early to prepare. Branagh heeded this guidance, arriving ahead of schedule to improve his physical flexibility and master the film’s choreography, ultimately spending considerable time with the stunt team perfecting his character’s lethal abilities.
Set in 1980s Soviet Union, “Mayday” follows Reynolds’ American pilot who crashes and must escape with Branagh’s character, a “Top Gun”-loving exile hiding in Siberia’s forests. The film, releasing September 4, was primarily shot in Canada. Off-camera, the two actors bonded over their shared passion for soccer, with Branagh a lifelong Tottenham Hotspur supporter and Reynolds a co-owner of the Welsh club Wrexham. Branagh expressed admiration for Reynolds and partner Rob McElhenney’s ambitious journey attempting to elevate Wrexham from non-league status to the Premier League, noting both actors could be quite enthusiastic about the sport.
Branagh discussed his stunt work with enthusiasm, describing the advanced choreography as “very interesting and fun,” and joked that his extended presence surprised the stunt coordinator who had never worked with an actor for such an extended period. The actor’s dedication to authenticity helped bring credibility to his portrayal of the dangerous former operative.
Originally reported by Variety →
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