Apple TV’s Mayday brings Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh together for a Cold War action-comedy that takes a US Navy pilot from a secret mission to a dangerous fight for survival. Directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, the film stars Reynolds as Lieutenant Troy “Assassin” Kelly and Branagh as former KGB agent Nikolai Ustinov. Mayday premiered globally on Apple TV on September 4, 2026.
Mayday starts as a Cold War survival story but gradually turns into something much bigger for Lieutenant Troy “Assassin” Kelly. After becoming stranded in the Soviet Union, Troy’s main goal is initially to get back home. His journey changes after he teams up with Nikolai Ustinov and discovers information that makes him question the government he has spent his life serving.
By the final stretch, Troy is being pursued for political reasons, Nikolai is risking his own safety to help him and their escape involves a Soviet missile carrier, an airport dash and one very difficult flight.
Here’s what happens in the Mayday ending.
Why Does Alexander Volkov Want Troy?
Alexander Volkov does not simply want Troy captured because he is an American pilot inside Soviet territory. Troy is valuable because his SR-71 mission could provide evidence that the US has been carrying out a secret operation over the Soviet Union.
Volkov, who opposes Mikhail Gorbachev’s efforts to improve relations with the West, sees Troy as a way to damage that changing relationship. If he can expose the American mission, Troy becomes useful political ammunition.
That puts Nikolai in an increasingly dangerous position. By helping Troy escape, the former KGB operative is also stopping Volkov from obtaining the evidence he needs.
What Does Troy Discover About His Father?
One of the biggest revelations concerns Troy’s father, Harold, who has been dealing with a serious lung illness. During his confrontation with Volkov, Troy learns about evidence concerning asbestos exposure and information that American authorities allegedly knew about its health risks. The discovery suggests that the dangers were concealed, leaving Troy to confront the possibility that his own government had hidden information that affected his father.
The revelation changes how Troy views patriotism. Until this point, he has approached the conflict with a straightforward idea of America versus the Soviet Union. His experience forces him to recognise that the country he serves can also make serious mistakes and hide uncomfortable truths.
How Do Troy And Nikolai Escape?
Troy and Nikolai’s relationship has changed significantly by the time they make their final escape. Nikolai also has a personal reason for wanting out. His daughter, Anna, has become part of the stakes.
Their escape takes an unexpected turn when they commandeer a Soviet missile carrier connected to a military parade. The two men use it to head towards Sheremetyevo Airport. Their desperate attempt to leave the Soviet Union turns into one of the film’s biggest action sequences.
Do Troy And Nikolai Survive?
Yes, both Troy and Nikolai survive the escape. They manage to get an aircraft airborne but their problems are not over. With fuel running low, Troy has to rely on the flying skills that originally defined him as a naval pilot.
His final challenge is to land on a US Navy aircraft carrier. The landing succeeds.
Does Nikolai Make It To America?
Nikolai does make it to America. His fascination with US has always been shaped by things he has seen and heard from. After reaching safety, Nikolai eventually arrives in Washington, D.C., where he finally gets to eat McDonald’s. The moment pays off his long-running fascination with American culture.
Why Does Troy Testify Before Congress?
Troy’s experience changes him in a different way. Instead of returning home and simply putting everything behind him, he decides to speak about what he discovered concerning his father’s illness and the information surrounding asbestos. He testifies before Congress and challenges the institutions he once trusted without question.
Troy does not stop caring about America. Instead, he comes to understand that supporting his country can also mean demanding accountability from its government when people have been harmed or important information has been withheld.
What Happens To Volkov?
Volkov’s plan to use Troy and his mission to undermine improving US-Soviet relations ultimately fails. Troy escapes, Nikolai leaves the Soviet Union and the evidence Volkov wanted does not become the political weapon he intended it to be. The final events therefore leave Volkov without the advantage he was seeking from Troy’s capture.
Is There A Mid-Credits Scene In Mayday?
Yes, Mayday has a credits gag connected to Troy’s “Assassin” nickname. The call sign has been a recurring joke throughout the film and the additional scene finally provides the punchline behind how Troy got the nickname.
Rather than setting up another threat or directly teasing a sequel, the moment serves as one final joke involving Troy and his unusual call sign.
