A failed mission behind enemy lines sets the stage for Mayday, the latest Apple Original Film from the producers of Deadpool & Wolverine, set to premiere September 4, 2026, on Apple TV.
The film is written and directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, who previously co-wrote Spider-Man: Homecoming and directed Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.
The movie takes place during the Cold War and follows a U.S. Navy pilot stranded in Soviet territory who finds an unexpected lifeline with an ex-KGB agent. What starts as a desperate attempt to escape soon becomes an unlikely partnership between two men who, by all accounts, should be enemies.
Curious who plays who in the new action-comedy? Here’s a look at the main the cast and characters in Mayday.
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What is the Plot of ‘Mayday’?
Set in 1987 during the final years of the Cold War, Mayday follows hotshot U.S. Navy pilot Lieutenant Troy “Assassin” Kelly, who is sent on a mission into Soviet territory. When his plane collides with a Russian fighter jet, Troy is forced to eject from his aircraft, stranding him in the Russian wilderness with no clear way back home.
However, his sticky situation takes a turn when he is discovered by Nikolai Ustinov, a former Soviet intelligence officer with a penchant for American culture. Considering the circumstances, Troy and Nikolai should be natural enemies, but as things turn out Nikolai is actually Troy’s best chance of survival. The unlikely pair find themselves at the center of an adventure filled with action, thrills and buddy-comedy humor.
Want a sneak peek? Take a look at the official Mayday trailer for a preview.
Confirmed ‘Mayday’ Cast and Characters
Here’s who plays who in Mayday, from the film’s central duo to the supporting cast:
Ryan Reynolds as Lieutenant Troy “Assassin” Kelly
Known from: Deadpool, Free Guy, Detective Pikachu, Green Lantern, The Proposal
Troy “Assassin” Kelly is a skilled U.S. Navy pilot who is sent into Russian territory on a top-secret mission during the Cold War. He is confident and snarky, always quick with a sarcastic remark, but finds himself far outside his comfort zone when the operation goes array and he is forced to abandon his aircraft and parachute into the Russian wilderness.
When he meets Nikolai Ustinov, a former KGB agent who nurses him back to health after his tumble from the sky, Troy realizes that his best chance of survival is to rely on a man he’s not sure he can trust. Their alliance forces Troy to open up and learn to depend on someone who, under different circumstances, would be his enemy.
Reynolds brings the sarcastic humor and action-comedy sensibility he has become known for in films like Deadpool and Free Guy, while putting his own spin on the cocky fighter pilot archetype.
Kenneth Branagh as Nikolai Ustinov
Known from: Oppenheimer, The Devil Wears Prada 2, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Murder on the Orient Express, Dunkirk
Nikolai Ustinov is a former Soviet security officer who now lives in a secluded home in the woods. Funny and a bit eccentric, Nikolai has a fascination with American culture, from movies and politics to the food he dreams of trying one day. Despite his background and the fact that Troy should be his enemy, Nikolai is more than willing to help his new American friend find a way home.
Don’t be fooled by his quirky and humorous exterior, though. As an ex-KGB agent, Nikolai is a fearless and highly skilled fighter, and as Troy’s only ally behind enemy lines, he is someone the stranded American will have no choice but to rely on to safely escape.
With a career spanning Shakespearean drama, mystery, action and comedy, Branagh brings a wide range of experience to the colorful character, adding plenty of personality to Troy’s unlikely Soviet ally.
Marcin Dorociński as Alexander Volkov
Known from: Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, The Queen’s Gambit, Anthropoid
Alexander Volkov is a Soviet security officer tasked with tracking down Troy after the Red Army gets notice than an American pilot crashed into the wilderness. Determined, highly capable and out for blood, Volkov relentlessly pursues Troy and Nikolai as they attempt to escape the country.
Dorociński has experience playing formidable figures in action and thriller projects, including his role in the Mission: Impossible franchise, making him a fitting choice for the intimidating officer.
Maria Bakalova as Anna Ustinov
Known from: Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, The Apprentice, Bodies Bodies Bodies, The Honeymoon
Maria Bakalova plays Anna Ustinov, Nikolai’s daughter who lives in Moscow. Though not many details about her character are known, Anna has a strained relationship with her father, putting the two at odds before their paths become intertwined during the events of the movie.
Following her breakout performance in Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, which earned her an Academy Award nomination, Bakalova has taken on roles across comedy, horror and superhero films. Now, she brings that mixture of humor and action to the cast of Mayday.
David Morse as Harold Kelly
Known from: The Green Mile, We Were Liars, The Rock, The Hurt Locker, Contact
Harold Kelly is Troy’s father, who is dealing with a serious illness while his son is sent on a dangerous mission. Before the mission, Troy spent most of his free time looking after his father. Now that Troy is focused on surviving and finding his way home, his father gives him another reason to make it back safely.
With decades of experience in film and television, Morse has built a career on grounded dramatic performances, bringing that same emotional weight to his character in Mayday.
Additional ‘Mayday’ Cast
Wendy Crewson, Louis Cancelmi, Clark Johnson, Alex Mallari Jr., Lovell Adams-Gray and Alex Ozerov-Meyer are also confirmed to appear in Mayday. However, details about their characters have largely been kept under wraps ahead of the film’s release.
More information about these supporting roles is expected to emerge as the movie reaches audiences on Friday, September 4 on Apple TV.
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