Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh Praise Their Chemistry in Mayday

Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh are teaming up on screen for the first time in the new action-comedy Mayday, and both actors say their collaboration quickly developed into a strong creative partnership.

Branagh, 65, and Reynolds, 49, first met during a camera test for the film. Branagh plays an American pop culture-obsessed former KGB agent who rescues Reynolds’ fighter pilot after he crash-lands in Soviet Russia.

Branagh said he was confident the film would depend heavily on his chemistry with Reynolds. He praised Reynolds’ performances, particularly his work with Samuel L. Jackson in The Hitman’s Bodyguard films, and said he was impressed by the actor’s generosity on set.

Reynolds said their first meeting felt as if they had known each other for decades. Although he was intimidated by Branagh’s reputation and talent, he said working alongside the Oscar-winning actor pushed him to improve.

“He’s a freaking genius,” Reynolds said, adding that working with a superior performer was like playing tennis with a highly skilled opponent.

Branagh also took on demanding action sequences for the film, including fight scenes and stunts. Reynolds praised his co-star for performing the physical work without complaining and for making the difficult scenes appear effortless.

Directors Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley also said Branagh was eager to perform as much of his own stunt work as possible. Goldstein said Branagh approached the action like a Shakespearean stage actor determined to do as much of the work himself.

Branagh is best known for his work as an actor and filmmaker and won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Belfast in 2022.

Mayday is now streaming on Apple TV.