Ryan Reynolds’ new Top Gun homage has officially landed on Apple TV. As of Friday, September 4, subscribers can delight in this hilarious and heartwarming twist on 1980s action flicks.
Mayday is the latest movie from the writer-director duo Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley. The two previously collaborated on the popular action-comedy Game Night (2018) and under seen fantasy feature Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023). In Mayday, the duo dives into the world of 1980s blockbusters, using remembered Cold War nationalism to spread a simple but sweet message—padded by plenty of comedy.
The Apple TV original takes place in 1987, as the Cold War draws to a close. US Navy fighter pilot, Troy “Assassin” Kelly (Ryan Reynolds) crash lands behind enemy lines while on a reconnaissance mission. He is rescued by Nikolai “Nick” (Kenneth Branagh), a kind but gruff ex-KGB agent with an affinity for American culture and a dream to visit the United States. This leads to a high-comedy and high-action adventure as this unlikely duo reluctantly work together to return Troy to American hands.
Based on glowing early reviews, Mayday is shaping up to be a career best for the film’s actors and writer-directors.
Ryan Reynolds’ Mayday Puts A New Spin On Top Gun
Mayday uses the 1980s’ American-centric classic to make a commentary on the faults of blind nationalism. The 2026 film is simultaneously a Top Gun parody and homage. Speaking with GamesRadar+ at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, co-writer/director Goldstein revealed that Mayday even features direct Top Gun footage, courtesy of Tom Cruise himself.
“We did use a clip from Top Gun in the movie,” Goldstein told GamesRadar+.”It takes place in 1987, and we needed Tom Cruise’s permission for that, and he granted it.”
The Top Gun references do not end with this single clip. Reynold’s US Navy fighter pilot Troy “Assassin” Kelly is a clear stand-in for Tom Cruise’s Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. Much like the original Top Gun characters, Kelly is a staunch American nationalist, determined to “defeat” the “enemy.” However, Mayday does not agree with this “us vs them” mentality.
In the 2026 film, Troy’s belittling of the Soviets is turned into a joke about his own American arrogance. By the end of the film, both Troy and the audience see the over-simplisticnature and fallacy of this “America is #1” ideology. Mayday comes to the heartwarming conclusion that we can all learn something from one another.
Why Mayday Is Worth Watching On Apple TV
Early reactions to Mayday have been astoundingly positive, with several critics calling it a highlight of the year. “Mayday is one of the year’s best,” Variety critic Courtney Howard posted on X. “They [Goldstein and Daley] crafted a gripping, compelling and hilarious buddy road movie with Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh. A perfect balance of humor, heart and action-packed thrills. Houses a fave fight scene.”
Mayday balances its thrills and laughs with a compelling message and interesting filmmaking. The main characters are well fleshed out, leading to great reward when they are dropped into complicated situations and must work together to puzzle their way out. Reynolds delivers a career-topping performance as the front straight-man against a hulking but perfectly goofy Branagh.
A movie tied to an iconic franchise such as Top Gun runs the risk of learning too heavily on the existing IP without developing its own voice. Mayday expertly evades this trap. The 2026 Top Gun-homage is a well-crafted comedy in its own right. The feature consistently defies audience expectations, and turns a well-known franchise into a unique adventure.
Mayday has a solid 7/10 from Screen Rant and an 88% on Rotten Tomatoes. This score is among the involved actors’ and directors’ best yet. Whether you’re a Top Gun fanatic or novice, Mayday is well worth the watch for Apple TV subscribers looking for a feel-good feature.
