Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans star in the new Christmas movie Red One, releasing in North American theaters this weekend. The action-adventure film is expected to debut domestically with $30-35 million for Amazon MGM Studios. Despite a production cost of $250 million, Amazon's business model prioritizes subscribers over box office revenue, aiming to launch a new film series, so reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Exciting Christmas movie The Grinch features a PG-13 original story about Santa's abduction, prompting a global quest to save Christmas. Directed by Jake Kasdan, Red One stars Lucy Liu, Kiernan Shipka, Bonnie Hunt, Kristofer Hivju, Nick Kroll, Wesley Kimmel, and J.K. Simmons. The film has mixed U.S. reviews and is part of a series of year-end releases including Wicked, Gladiator II, and Moana 2, dubbed “Moanapocalypse” or “Glicked.”
Amazon MGM extensively marketed Red One through major sporting events, large-scale screenings, and global talent appearances. Local promotions included partnerships with AAPI-owned boba company It’s Boba Time across 88 branches for a two-week "Missing Santa" beverage launch. The studio also collaborated with five local Black-owned businesses for free Red One drink giveaways, including locations in Los Angeles and Chicago. Additionally, 13 activations were held in Los Angeles stores with retailer Curacao in the Latine community.
Seven Bucks production distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, grossing $28 million. Amazon approved Red One before acquiring MGM. Film's success hinges on global box office, Prime performance, and future Christmas classic status.