Mayday: D&D Movie Directors Give Ryan Reynolds (And Us) a Break From Superheroes | Comic Con 2026

The directors delve into the creative decisions behind 'Mayday,' explaining their choice of setting, genre influences, and the collaborative process with actors.

They also touch upon the challenges of original IP and the thematic relevance of the film to current global relations.

The interview maintains a good level of engagement through the directors' enthusiastic discussion of their film and their experiences.

Anecdotes about filming, such as driving an ICBM launch vehicle through Hungary and the inspiration behind Jesse Plemons' line in 'Game Night,' add humor and interest.

John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein discuss their creative process for 'Mayday,' including inspirations from 1980s buddy comedies like 'Midnight Run' and 'Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. ' They also explain their approach to balancing improvisation with script adherence and the shift from high fantasy to a grounded setting.

John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein demonstrate deep knowledge of their craft, discussing filmmaking inspirations, casting decisions, and the nuances of directing both comedic and action sequences.

Their detailed explanations about balancing genres and working with actors like Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh highlight their extensive experience.

The host asks pertinent questions that guide the conversation effectively, covering topics such as the inspiration behind 'Mayday,' the casting of Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh, and the transition from 'Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves' to a more grounded film.

The questions are open-ended and encourage detailed responses from the directors.

The conversation between the host and directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein flows logically, with questions prompting relevant answers.

There is a natural back-and-forth as they discuss their new film and past projects, maintaining a consistent pace throughout the interview.

The interview is conducted outdoors at an event, with clear audio capture of the speakers.

The background is slightly blurred, focusing attention on the subjects.

Lighting appears adequate for the daytime setting, though some minor shadows are present.