Dwayne Johnson’s Red One: Early Streaming Release Impacting Box Office Success

Dwayne Johnson’s festive action film, Red One, has made its streaming debut on Prime Video, merely weeks following its theatrical launch. The timing of this release is curious, particularly considering the film’s box office performance. As the holiday season approaches, Red One adds a unique flavor to the array of Christmas films being offered in 2024. Directed by Jake Kasdan, the film transports viewers to the North Pole, where Johnson portrays Callum Drift, the head of ELF (Enforcement Logistics and Fortification), tasked with ensuring North Pole security. The stakes escalate on Christmas Eve when Santa Claus, portrayed by J.K. Simmons, is abducted, thrusting Callum into a race against time to rescue him.

To solve the mystery surrounding Santa’s kidnapping, Zoe Harlow (played by Lucy Liu), head of the Mythological Oversight and Restoration Authority, enlists the help of hacker Jack O’Malley (Chris Evans). As they piece together the puzzle, they discover that the malevolent winter witch, Gryla (Kiernan Shipka), orchestrated the entire plot. Despite receiving a 30% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes compared to an impressive 90% audience score, the rapid transition to streaming after a short theatrical run raises questions about the motivations behind this decision.

Unprecedented Streaming Timing for Red One

Bizarre Streaming Release Timing

Nick (J.K. Simmons) and Mrs. Claus (Bonnie Hunt) holding hands in Red One — Image via Amazon MGM Studios

As highlighted, Red One is currently available for streaming on Prime Video, an unusual move considering Amazon’s historical approach to releasing theatrical films on streaming platforms. Typically, studios maintain a waiting period of approximately 40 to 120 days before shifting films to streaming. Notable examples include The Beekeeper, which took 173 days, Challengers at 158 days, and Creed 3 at 99 days. Even smaller films like My Old Ass adhered to this window, releasing 55 days post-theatrically. In contrast, Red One has only waited 24 days, marking a significant deviation from Prime Video’s established timeline. This early release could expand its audience as viewers who may have overlooked it in theaters can now readily access it.

Moderate Box Office Success for Red One

A Closer Look at Box Office Performance

Chris Evans holding Dwayne Johnson's shoulders in Red One

While Red One did not achieve blockbuster status and failed to reach its break-even point, its overall performance remains commendable. With a production budget of $250 million, which escalated due to reported delays caused by Johnson, the film needed to generate around $500 million to break even. Ultimately, Red One earned approximately $165.9 million. Thus, although it didn’t recoup its costs, it stands out as a respectable entry in the realm of holiday films.

Despite the film receiving negative criticism, audiences have responded more positively, as reflected in its box office metrics. In fact, Red One has secured a spot among the highest-grossing Christmas films in history, now ranking #18, having surpassed Four Christmases, which gathered $163.7 million. Johnson’s recent feature has outperformed several of his other endeavors outside major franchises, indicating a promising trajectory.

According to The Numbers, Red One ranks higher than films like Tooth Fairy and The Scorpion King in Johnson’s oeuvre, only falling below The Other Guys and Baywatch. Although high box office returns are typically associated with Johnson’s franchises, the performance of Red One indicates a solid placement within his broader filmography.

Strategically Timed Streaming Release Before Christmas

Perfectly Timed for the Festive Season

By hitting Prime Video ahead of the holiday season, Red One is positioned to gain traction with viewers seeking festive entertainment. Historically, several films that underperformed in cinemas have revitalized their success on streaming, and Red One might experience a similar revival. Its early release aligns with holiday viewing habits, allowing it a chance to attract a more extensive audience eager to celebrate the season.

Ultimately, this swift transition to streaming appears to be more a festive strategy rather than an afterthought due to box office shortcomings. As viewers look for captivating holiday entertainment, Red One could potentially become a seasonal favorite.

Source: The Numbers.

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