Filmed in Budapest: Cold War Action-comedy Starring Ryan Reynolds
zita kisgergely
Budapest stepped into a familiar role when this Apple feature, due to be released in September, was shot in the city over two years ago.
Poster via Imdb.
As reported recently in the Budapest Reporter, Mayday starring Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh, is the latest in a long line of films and TV series set in the Cold War era that were filmed in Hungary. Check out our post that lists some popular examples.
Budapest has had a lot of experience depicting places behind the iron curtain – not least because Hungary was actually a Soviet satellite state itself back in the day. And thanks to the diversity of Budapest’s architecture, it certainly isn’t difficult to find grand, imposing architecture in a style typical of the socialist era.
MAYDAY filming locations in Budapest
With only a trailer available to watch so far, it’s still clear that it’s not only brutalist or blocky panel buildings that were needed for filming. Hero’s Square – built in 1896 as part of the celebrations to mark the country’s 1,000-year anniversary – was transformed into a set complete with military vehicles and soviet paraphernalia. Draped in red flags, the square, which commemorates the seven Magyar tribes that settled in the Carpathian Basin around 895-896 AD, must have had a flashback moment to Communist times.
Hero’s Square in Budapest. Stock image via Unsplash.
It was widely reported back in 2024 that Reynolds was staying in a luxury five-star hotel in downtown Budapest (most likely the Four Seasons) for roughly a month together with his wife Blake Lively and their children. At the time he posted on his social media account that he was loving “every second working in Budapest”. That’s not difficult to believe; Budapest is a stunning city and the second largest international film production hub in Europe after London. Crews in the country are highly experienced and trained, while the infrastructure makes filming efficient and hassle-free.
MAYDAY Premise
The story revolves around a US Air Force pilot (Reynolds) who has to eject from his plane while flying on a mission over Soviet territory. Landing in rural Russia, the pilot is rescued by an ex-KGB agent (Branagh) who is intrigued by American culture. Although there’s tension between the two men at first, they form an alliance in the hope of getting Reynold’s character out of the Soviet Union alive.
The supporting cast includes Maria Bakalova, Marcin Dorociński, David Morse, Lovell Adams-Gray and Clark Johnson. Written and directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein – the pair behind Game Night and Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves – Mayday will be available to watch on Apple TV from September 4th.
Sources & further information
Flatpack Films has years of experience servicing international brands, agencies, and production companies. Filming in Hungary is easy when relying on their knowledge of the market and ability to solve complex needs. They bring the best that Hungary has to offer in terms of unique locations, exceptionally skilled crews, top-of-the-line equipment and technical solutions. Backed by an impeccable track record, Flatpack Films has worked with world-class clients including Samsung, Samsonite, Toyota, Braun, Chivas Regal and many more.
Get in touch and learn more about Budapest film locations, Hungarian film incentives, film tax credits in Hungary and how Flatpack Films can bring your project to life through a highly bespoke approach.