Kenneth Branagh, known primarily for his dramatic roles, is taking on a new challenge as he steps into the action-comedy genre with “Mayday,” an upcoming Apple TV film. Co-starring alongside Ryan Reynolds, Branagh’s preparation for his role as a KGB operative required him to rethink his approach to the physical demands of the character.
Preparation for Action
At a recent event at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, Branagh shared insights about preparing for his role in “Mayday.” He consulted the directors, asking, “What’s the way to do it if you’re a man of a certain age and it’s not your natural genre?” Their response was clear: “Get here early.” He took this advice to heart, arriving on set ahead of schedule to work on his flexibility and physicality.
Branagh articulated his desire to convincingly portray his character as a “former lethal KGB operative” with an aptitude for dangerous situations. His dedication paid off when he engaged in “advanced choreography” for the film’s stunts. Reflecting on his commitment, he noted, “The stunt guy said: ‘We’ve never had an actor for this long.’ I said, ‘I’m that scared.’”
A Brief Synopsis of “Mayday”
Set in 1987 Soviet Union, “Mayday,” which premieres on September 4, follows a U.S. Air Force pilot, portrayed by Reynolds, who crashes in hostile territory and teams up with Branagh’s character—a “Top Gun-loving exile in the forest of Siberia”—to escape. Much of the film was shot in the snowy landscapes of Canada, providing both an authentic backdrop and challenging conditions for the production.
Bonding Over Soccer
During the shoot, Branagh and Reynolds found common ground in their passion for soccer. Branagh, a lifelong supporter of Tottenham Hotspur, expressed admiration for Reynolds’ role as co-owner of Wrexham, a club aiming to ascend from non-league football to the Premier League. He remarked, “The snorts of derision were involuntary and fun, but now here they are in the Championship. Come on, this is quite something. So yes, we can be pretty nerdish about the beautiful game.”
Honoring a Cinematic Legacy
Branagh was in Edinburgh not just for “Mayday,” but also to receive the festival’s inaugural award for outstanding contribution to cinema. He attended to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his acclaimed adaptation of “Hamlet,” which is being screened in its full, unabridged four-hour format.
He reminisced about working on “Hamlet,” particularly his casting of a young Kate Winslet, who was only 20 at the time. Branagh recalled auditioning her for “Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein” but found her too young for the role. He praised her early maturity, stating, “She seemed to have a maturity beyond her years.”
A Pivotal Moment in Kate Winslet’s Career
One memorable moment during filming occurred when Winslet received a life-changing call from James Cameron, casting her in “Titanic.” Branagh vividly remembered the atmosphere surrounding the project, describing it as “a pivotal moment,” filled with excitement and anticipation. He advised Winslet, “Enjoy every moment up until the premiere of that movie, because your life will change after it.” Reflecting on that conversation, he added with a laugh, “I hope it wasn’t a depressing thing to hear!”
