Where Was ‘Mayday’ Really Filmed? Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh’s Cold War Comedy Locations Revealed

Ryan Reynolds is stepping away from his typical modern settings to immerse himself in a snowy 1987 Cold War backdrop in ‘Mayday.’ The film’s extensive production journey is proving to be nearly as captivating as its storyline. The Apple TV original follows Reynolds as he ventures behind enemy lines, but the Cold War escapade was filmed far from the Soviet Union. Fans eagerly awaiting the September 4 premiere are curious about the actual locations where this stranded fighter pilot narrative was brought to life.

‘Mayday’ premiered at AMC Lincoln Square in New York City, showcasing stars Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh alongside directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein. The excitement surrounding the film has intensified as intriguing details about its unique production process have emerged.

Set in 1987, ‘Mayday’ is a Cold War spy thriller directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, featuring Reynolds as U.S. Navy pilot Lieutenant Troy ‘Assassin’ Kelly. This genre-bending buddy comedy pairs Reynolds and Branagh in a fresh take on the spy thriller, with the skilled pilot embarking on a covert mission into Russian territory during the height of the Cold War.

When the mission goes awry, Kelly finds himself stranded behind enemy lines, with his unexpected ally being Nikolai Ustinov, an eccentric former KGB agent portrayed by Branagh. The film is produced by Apple Original Films, Apple Studios, and Reynolds’ own Maximum Effort banner, marking the first collaboration between Reynolds and John Francis Daley since their roles in ‘Waiting’ back in 2005.

The film’s premise blends classic spy tension with contemporary comedic elements, a hallmark of projects associated with Reynolds’ production company. Given the film’s setting deep within Soviet territory, fans have been investigating how the filmmakers achieved an authentic Cold War atmosphere without filming in Russia.

The filming of ‘Mayday’ took place across multiple countries rather than being centered in one location. Montreal served as the primary Canadian base for the shoot, effectively doubling for 1980s San Diego and providing a versatile stand-in for American settings.

Production also occurred at Korda Studios in Budapest, Hungary, with filming dates spanning from March 11 to June 19, 2024. Hungary contributed Soviet-style urban locations that enhanced the film’s Eastern Bloc aesthetic.

Southern France also contributed to the production, providing practical fighter jet photography that added authentic aerial footage to the film’s Cold War action sequences. Some production databases mention San Diego, California, as another filming location, although it remains unclear if any scenes featuring the main cast were filmed there.

Creating a Cold War atmosphere from Canada, Hungary, and France is no small task, highlighting how modern blockbuster productions often rely on location doubling to recreate specific historical contexts. For a film centered on a distinct moment in 1987 geopolitics, the international array of filming locations adds an intriguing layer for viewers who enjoy spotting the connections.

The cast of ‘Mayday’ includes Ryan Reynolds, Kenneth Branagh, Maria Bakalova, Marcin Dorociński, and David Morse, with cinematography by Barry Peterson and music composed by Colin Stetson. Additional cast members at the premiere included Louis Cancelmi and Wendy Crewson, alongside directors and writers John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein.

The production team features Skydance’s David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Don Granger, along with Maximum Effort’s Ashley Fox and Johnny Pariseau. Reynolds and George Dewey serve as executive producers alongside John G. Scotti, indicating the significant backing from both Skydance and Reynolds’ production company.

The film has a runtime of one hour and fifty minutes and is rated PG-13 for its mix of action and comedy. The combination of Branagh’s dramatic talent and Reynolds’ comedic flair has become a focal point in the film’s marketing efforts.

‘Mayday’ premiered globally on Apple TV on Friday, September 4, 2026, just days after its New York premiere. The film shares its release date with sixteen other titles, including ‘By Any Means,’ ‘Onslaught,’ and ‘Tom and Jerry: Forbidden Compass.’

With a crowded release schedule, ‘Mayday’ will rely on the star power of Reynolds and Branagh, along with its unique production story, to stand out. The blend of Cold War intrigue and buddy comedy chemistry provides a distinctive hook among the array of new releases.

With Montreal standing in for San Diego, Hungary representing the Soviet Bloc, and southern France supplying genuine aerial footage, ‘Mayday’ successfully executed an international production to tell a story deeply rooted in Cold War paranoia. Now that the film is available on Apple TV, do you believe this well-traveled production convincingly captured the essence of 1987 Russia, or did you notice the differences between Montreal, Budapest, and the real deal?