Directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein presented a trailer for their upcoming Cold War buddy action-comedy "Mayday" at San Diego Comic-Con [1].
The project marks a deliberate departure from the superhero genre for lead actor Ryan Reynolds and the directing duo. By pivoting toward a grounded action-comedy, the filmmakers aim to provide audiences with a refreshing alternative to the formulaic nature of contemporary comic book cinema.
Set in Russian territory during the Cold War, the film stars Reynolds alongside Kenneth Branagh. The production is backed by producer David Ellison [1, 2]. The directors said the decision to develop a buddy-action story followed their work on the Dungeons & Dragons film, as they sought to explore a different style of grounded storytelling [2, 3].
During the presentation at the 2026 event [1], the directors said "Mayday" is a genre-bending experience. The film focuses on the chemistry between its leads within the high-stakes environment of mid-century geopolitical tension, a setting that allows for both physical comedy and historical drama.
While some early reports suggested the film may have been inspired by a Stephen King work, the directors focused their Comic-Con discussion on the Cold War setting and the buddy-comedy dynamics [2]. The project is designed to balance the tension of the era with the comedic timing for which Reynolds is known.
Daley and Goldstein said the film represents a break from the superhero fare that has dominated the box office for years [2, 3]. This shift reflects a broader trend of established filmmakers seeking out original concepts, or historical settings, to avoid the saturation of caped-crusader narratives.
“The film is presented as a Cold War buddy-action comedy.”
The shift toward 'Mayday' suggests a strategic pivot for Ryan Reynolds and high-profile directors who have spent the last decade anchored in franchise filmmaking. By choosing a Cold War setting and a buddy-comedy format, the production is attempting to capture a growing audience appetite for 'mid-budget' original stories that prioritize character chemistry over digital spectacle.
