"Red One": What Went Wrong with Dwayne Johnson's New Film?
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has long been a reliable name in Hollywood, known for bringing audiences to theaters with his charisma and larger-than-life presence.
However, his latest project, Red One, a holiday-themed action-comedy, has failed to deliver the success many expected.
With a production budget of up to $250 million, the film was supposed to launch a new Christmas franchise for Amazon MGM Studios.
Unfortunately, early box office results and mixed reviews suggest it might not achieve its ambitious goals.
Red One made its debut internationally before hitting U.S. theaters on November 15, 2024. Despite its hype, the film’s opening weekend in North America is projected to reach only $25-40 million, a lackluster start for such a high-budget production. Global earnings thus far stand at an estimated $28 million, far below what’s needed for profitability. Considering its substantial costs, the movie would need at least $500 million in total revenue to break even.
The film's performance is disappointing when compared to Johnson’s past successes, such as Black Adam, which earned $67 million domestically during its opening weekend. Compounding this challenge, Red One is up against several blockbuster releases during the competitive holiday season, including Gladiator 2 and Wicked.
Why Is Red One Struggling?
High Costs and High Risks
Launching a new intellectual property with a massive budget is always a gamble. While Hollywood has thrived on sequels and established franchises, Red One had to rely solely on its cast’s star power. Unfortunately, this wasn’t enough to captivate audiences in an increasingly crowded market.Mixed Reviews
Critical reception has been lukewarm, with the film earning a low approval rating from audiences and critics alike. Complaints have focused on a predictable storyline, uninspired visuals, and a lack of chemistry between its leads, Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans. Poor reviews often dampen enthusiasm, making it harder for a movie to gain momentum.Tough Holiday Competition
While Red One benefits from being the only explicitly Christmas-themed film this season, it faces stiff competition from other high-profile releases. Animated features, musicals, and franchise films have drawn significant attention, making it challenging for Red One to stand out.
Despite its lackluster theatrical debut, Red One could still find an audience on streaming.
Originally intended to premiere on Amazon’s Prime Video platform in 2023, the film was later shifted to theaters.
However, its eventual availability on Prime Video might attract more viewers and help recover some of its costs.
For Amazon MGM Studios, this strategy aligns with their long-term focus on subscription growth rather than immediate box office returns.
The lukewarm reception of Red One highlights the challenges Johnson faces as a leading man in the evolving entertainment landscape. While he remains a beloved figure, his recent projects suggest that even mega-stars must adapt to changing audience tastes. This could be a turning point for Johnson to reassess his role choices and collaborate on more innovative or grounded narratives.
Though Red One started with more of a stumble than a sprint, its future isn’t entirely bleak. Streaming platforms, combined with the holiday spirit, might give the film a second chance to connect with audiences. Still, the movie serves as a reminder that even the biggest stars and budgets can’t guarantee success without compelling storytelling and execution.