Mayday is an upcoming American action-comedy film directed and written by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley. Produced by Apple Original Films, Skydance Media, and Maximum Effort, the movie blends military action, buddy comedy, and Cold War adventure into a fast-paced survival story. The cast includes Ryan Reynolds, Kenneth Branagh, Maria Bakalova, Marcin Dorociński, David Morse, Lovell Adams-Gray, and Clark Johnson.
The story follows U.S. Navy pilot Lieutenant Troy “Assassin” Kelly, whose covert mission over Soviet territory ends in disaster when his aircraft is shot down behind enemy lines.
Stranded in hostile territory, Kelly unexpectedly receives help from Nikolai Ustinov, a retired KGB agent with an unusual fascination for American culture. As the unlikely pair dodge enemy soldiers and search for a way home, they form an uneasy friendship while facing dangerous situations and plenty of comedic misunderstandings. Mayday premieres globally on Apple TV+ on September 4, 2026.
Mayday Age Rating
Mayday is officially rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, some strong language, suggestive references, and smoking. The MPA advises that some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. Although the film is lighter in tone than a traditional war thriller, it includes frequent action violence, occasional strong language, mild sexual references, and tobacco use throughout. Most of the content is comparable to other modern PG-13 action-comedies.
Violence & Peril
Violence is frequent but largely non-graphic. The film includes military aircraft combat, missile attacks, explosions, plane crashes, gunfire, fistfights, car chases, and survival sequences behind enemy lines. Characters engage in hand-to-hand combat, exchange gunfire with hostile soldiers, and narrowly escape dangerous situations. Some scenes involve injuries, but there is little visible blood or graphic detail. The action is fast-paced and suspenseful while maintaining a humorous tone through Ryan Reynolds’ comedic dialogue and the unusual partnership between the two leads.
Language
The film contains moderate profanity throughout. Viewers can expect occasional strong language, including limited use of the F-word, along with other common swear words and mild insults. Much of the language appears during stressful action scenes or humorous exchanges between Troy Kelly and Nikolai Ustinov. Crude expressions and sarcastic banter are also present but remain within typical PG-13 standards.
Mature Themes
Mayday explores themes of war, survival, loyalty, friendship, and overcoming cultural differences during the Cold War. There are mild suggestive jokes, flirtatious dialogue, and occasional double entendres, but no explicit sexual content or nudity. Several characters smoke cigarettes, reflecting the historical setting, and alcohol is consumed socially in a few scenes. The emotional themes remain relatively light despite the dangerous circumstances, with comedy balancing the more serious moments.
Is Mayday Suitable for Teens?
Ages 13–17: Yes, With Guidance. Most teenagers familiar with PG-13 action films should be able to enjoy Mayday. Parents should be aware of frequent action violence, moderate language, mild suggestive humor, and smoking, but the overall tone remains adventurous and comedic rather than intense or graphic.
Ages 10–12: With Guidance. Older children may enjoy the film’s action and comedy, but some combat scenes, explosions, profanity, and mature jokes could be too intense or confusing for younger viewers. Parents may wish to watch alongside them.
Under 10: Not Recommended. Young children are likely to find the action sequences frightening and may not understand the Cold War setting or the more mature humor. The violence and language also make it less appropriate for this age group.
Overall recommendation: Mayday is best suited for viewers aged 13 and older. Mature teens should have little difficulty with its PG-13 content, while younger viewers will benefit from parental guidance.
What Parents Can Do
- Explain the historical background of the Cold War so younger teens better understand the setting and political conflict.
- Discuss the difference between fictional action sequences and real military situations, emphasizing that the stunts and combat are dramatized for entertainment.
- Talk about the film’s themes of teamwork, trust, and overcoming cultural differences despite political conflict.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: Is Mayday rated PG-13?
A: Yes. Mayday is officially rated PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, some strong language, suggestive references, and smoking.
Q: Is Mayday appropriate for kids?
A: The film is generally recommended for ages 13 and older. Younger children may find the combat and action sequences too intense.
Q: How violent is Mayday?
A: The movie features frequent military action, gunfights, explosions, plane crashes, fistfights, and chase scenes. Violence is intense but not graphic.
Q: Does Mayday contain strong language?
A: Yes. There is occasional strong profanity and moderate use of common swear words throughout the film.
Q: Is there any sexual content in Mayday?
A: The film includes mild suggestive dialogue and flirtatious humor but no explicit sexual content or nudity.
Q: Where can I watch Mayday?
A: Mayday premieres exclusively on Apple TV+ on September 4, 2026.