December has turned out to be quite the remarkable month for Prime Video, as Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans’ holiday action flick, Red One, has made waves with its record-breaking debut. The film, which was released on December 12, attracted 50 million worldwide viewers during its first four days on the streaming platform, marking it as Amazon MGM Studios’ most-watched film ever on Prime Video. This impressive figure eclipses the previous record holder, Road House, which garnered 50 million viewers over its initial two weekends. It’s fair to say, this Christmas season is one to be remembered.
Red One stands out not just for its viewer count but also for its substantial production roots, flaunting a Santa-sized budget of $200 million. Originally slated for direct release on Prime Video, the film underwent changes after it tested favorably with audiences. Amazon MGM Studios opted for a theatrical release, which proved beneficial for its outreach and marketing, enabling it to ring up over $175 million at the global box office to date. Released on November 15 across more than 3,000 theaters domestically and another 3,300 internationally, the film continued its run undeterred, only easing by 39% to earn $4.2 million during its fifth domestic weekend.
Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon MGM Studios, expressed her enthusiasm about the film's favorable audience response, stating, "Given the audience response to Red One both in theaters and on Prime Video, the film will clearly be a perennial holiday favorite for years to come.” Her statement reinforces the successful marketing strategy employed, which leveraged both theatrical and streaming avenues to captivate audiences effectively. Salke noted, "Every film is different, and we are so grateful for the partnership with our filmmakers... It’s rewarding to see our plan pay off for customers, and we are incredibly thankful to the entire filmmaking team and cast who helped make it happen.”
Even with its growing popularity, Red One is not without its criticisms. The film received lukewarm reviews from critics, holding only 33% on Rotten Tomatoes, where many pointed to difficulties with its storytelling and execution. Yet, audiences have latched onto the film, granting it an A- grade via CinemaScore, illustrating the divide between critic and viewer perspectives.
Driven by strategic marketing, Red One garnered extensive visibility even before its release, including collaborations with brands like M&M's and Farmers. Johnson, along with his starring role as Callum Drift — the North Pole's head of security embarking on a comedic adventure to save Santa Claus — has made this production not just another holiday film, but rather part of the larger cultural conversation surrounding holiday entertainment.
Adding to its promotional prowess, Red One engaged the gaming community, launching themed events on platforms like Roblox, which attracted millions of visits, proving effective in keeping the film within public discourse. The integration with games and brand advertising amplifies its connectivity to younger audiences, ensuring the movie remains on their radar.
Directors Jake Kasdan and producers from Seven Bucks Productions and Chris Morgan Productions delivered this fan-favored comedy, aligning with current trends of merging online presence with traditional cinematic releases. Both Johnson and Evans, along with their co-stars Lucy Liu, Kiernan Shipka, and J.K. Simmons, have continued to engage with audiences through global promotional tours, adding charisma and relatability to the project.
Despite opening with $32 million domestically, facts reveal the film has structured its fulfillment through extended viewing platforms, proving the effective blending of box office success with the immediate access of streaming services. Observers reflect upon this model as indicative of the new era of film distribution where rapid consumer access drives profitability and viewer engagement alike.
Overall, the performance of Red One serves as affirmation of Amazon MGM's shifting strategies, showcasing the many avenues through which film can thrive amid the growing competitive streaming environment. With future releases slated to keep up the momentum, viewers can expect more significant, high-profile projects primed for hybrid release strategies on the horizon. Red One is now streaming on Prime Video, reaffirming its status as the must-watch holiday film for families worldwide.
