Mayday Audience Score | What Fans Think of Ryan Reynolds' New Thriller

Ryan Reynolds Thriller Mayday Faces Audience Skepticism

Ryan Reynolds is back on screen in the new action thriller Mayday. The Apple TV production centers on an American protagonist who must join forces with a former KGB agent, played by Kenneth Branagh, to escape Soviet territory after a plane crash. Critics initially met the film with warm reception, noting the chemistry between the two leads and its stylistic nods to 1980s buddy action comedies. The movie secured an 81% critical approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes before its wider streaming release.

That critical support did not guarantee a smooth transition with the general public. As of September 5, 2026, Mayday holds a 66% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. This number represents the lowest audience rating for a Ryan Reynolds project in six years. The last time the actor saw such a low public response was for the 2019 action film 6 Underground.

Understanding the Audience Reception

Filmgoers often weigh action movies differently than critics. While reviewers focused on the performance of the leads and the technical execution of the set pieces, audience members are providing feedback that suggests a disconnect. Some early viewers point toward the pacing of the narrative or the specific tone of the Cold War setting as factors that didn't land as effectively as expected. The shift from an 81% critical score to a 66% audience score marks a significant divergence in how the product is being perceived.

Despite the dip in public approval, the movie remains a focal point for streaming subscribers. The premise of a high-stakes escape involving a disgraced or former agent is a staple of the genre, yet this specific iteration struggles to reach the heights of previous Reynolds hits. The audience reaction highlights the unpredictable nature of streaming consumption, where high production values do not automatically convert into viewer loyalty.

The Broader Context for Streaming Releases

Streaming platforms have recently leaned into big-budget action titles to keep subscribers engaged. Apple TV's investment in Mayday follows a broader industry trend of prioritizing star power to move the needle. When a film with a major star like Reynolds underperforms with the public, the implications reach beyond just one title. It signals a changing appetite among viewers who are increasingly vocal about their preferences on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes.

Industry analysts are watching these numbers closely. As more data comes in from the first few days of availability, the conversation will likely shift from the initial surprise of the score to the long-term performance of the film on the platform. Whether Mayday finds a second wind with audiences remains to be seen, but the current data serves as a reminder that star-led vehicles face high scrutiny in the current market. Viewers are clearly looking for something more than just big names, even in a genre as reliable as the action thriller.