“Mayday” starring Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh becomes the biggest film debut in Apple TV history

The action comedy Mayday, starring Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh, has become the biggest film debut in the history of Apple TV — Cinema Express reports, citing Deadline. Reynolds announced the record himself on Tuesday, thanking viewers for the milestone and expressing his admiration for co-star Branagh.

Set during the Cold War, the film follows a U.S. Navy pilot played by Reynolds who is stranded in enemy territory on a secret mission; his only chance of survival is an alliance with a former KGB agent (Branagh), an eccentric character. The film is directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, with Maria Bakalova, Marcin Dorocinski and David Morse in supporting roles, and produced by David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger.

According to Deadline, the success of Mayday — together with the service’s multiple Emmy wins at the latest ceremony — gave Apple TV its most-watched week ever. Other titles contributing to the viewership growth include Widow’s Bay, Pluribus and Ted Lasso.

Mayday marks the first collaboration between Reynolds and Branagh. In a recent interview with People, the Deadpool star admitted he initially felt intimidated working with Branagh, whom he considers “a genius” and “truly talented”, but said he enjoyed the chance to team up with him and sharpen his own craft.