When we think of Christmas movies, our minds often go to heartwarming tales, family comedies, or classic animation. But what if there was a way to combine the holiday spirit with thrilling action and adventure? Enter Red One, the upcoming American Christmas action-adventure comedy set to hit theaters in November 2024. Directed by Jake Kasdan and featuring a powerhouse cast including Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, Kiernan Shipka, and J.K. Simmons, Red One aims to shake up the holiday movie formula. Produced by Amazon MGM Studios, in association with Seven Bucks Productions, this ambitious project is already being positioned as the start of a Christmas franchise.
Let’s dive into everything we know about Red One: from its star-studded cast and unique storyline to its high-stakes production and anticipated release.
The Plot: A High-Stakes Holiday Rescue
At the heart of Red One is a classic and refreshingly original premise. The story unfolds with Santa Claus himself kidnapped, a crisis that jeopardizes the joy and magic of Christmas worldwide. To save Santa, Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson), the North Pole’s head of security, joins forces with Jack O’Malley (Chris Evans), a tech-savvy bounty hunter with hacking skills. Together, they embark on a dangerous, action-packed journey to rescue Santa Claus before it’s too late.
With Johnson as the tough, seasoned security chief and Evans as a resourceful, rogue bounty hunter, Red One promises an engaging dynamic filled with both banter and brawn. Adding to the intrigue are characters like Grýla (Kiernan Shipka), a mysterious figure inspired by Icelandic folklore, and Krampus (Kristofer Hivju), who brings a darker edge to the holiday landscape. This blend of mythical elements and Christmas traditions, paired with action-adventure tropes, makes Red One Full Movie 2024 a unique addition to holiday cinema.
Meet the Cast: Big Names, Big Personalities
The lineup for Red One Full Movie 2024 reads like a who’s who of Hollywood’s biggest stars and character actors:
- Dwayne Johnson as Callum Drift: Johnson brings his signature charisma and action skills to the role of the North Pole’s head of security. Known for his performances in action hits like Jumanji and Fast & Furious, Johnson is set to add a memorable holiday hero to his repertoire.
- Chris Evans as Jack O’Malley: Evans, fresh off his Marvel stint as Captain America, joins the adventure as a hacker and bounty hunter. This role is a departure from his usual good-guy roles, giving fans a new side to the beloved actor.
- Lucy Liu as Zoe Harlow: Liu’s role is under wraps, but with her track record in both action and comedy, she’s likely to bring another layer of intrigue to the film.
- J.K. Simmons as Santa Claus: Simmons as Santa is a casting choice fans are eager to see. Known for his commanding roles in Whiplash and Spider-Man, he’ll add a gruff but endearing twist to the jolly old man.
- Kiernan Shipka as Grýla: Inspired by a legendary Icelandic Christmas figure, Grýla could bring a supernatural edge to the story. Shipka’s experience in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina makes her a perfect fit for this mysterious character.
- Bonnie Hunt as Mrs. Claus: A seasoned actress known for her warm, relatable performances, Hunt will likely add depth to Mrs. Claus, balancing Simmons’s tougher Santa.
The film also features Nick Kroll, Kristofer Hivju as Krampus, and Reinaldo Faberlle as the voice of Agent Garcia, an anthropomorphic polar bear with a serious mission of his own. With these talented actors on board, each character is sure to bring their unique flair to this adventure.
The Road to Production: From Concept to Screen
Red One Full Movie 2024 was first conceived by Hiram Garcia, president of Seven Bucks Productions and a frequent collaborator with Dwayne Johnson. He approached Chris Morgan, the screenwriter behind Fast & Furious, to develop the story into a full-fledged screenplay. Morgan’s expertise in writing high-octane scripts fits perfectly with Garcia’s vision of a holiday-themed action franchise. Directed by Jake Kasdan, known for his work on the Jumanji films, the film quickly attracted a star-studded cast, beginning with Chris Evans in January 2022, followed by the rest of the ensemble later that year.
Filming began in October 2022 in Atlanta and concluded in February 2023. Reports surfaced that Johnson’s packed schedule and occasional delays extended the production timeline, adding an estimated $50 million to the budget, bringing the total production cost to a whopping $250 million. However, Seven Bucks Productions has since disputed the scale of these delays. Regardless, the film’s high budget suggests that Red One will deliver grand sets, high-quality effects, and thrilling action scenes.
From Streaming to Theaters: A Shift in Release Plans
Originally slated for release on Prime Video in time for Christmas 2023, Red One faced an unexpected delay due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Amazon MGM decided to push the release date to November 15, 2024, for a worldwide theatrical launch, allowing for a broader audience reach. Warner Bros. will handle the film’s international distribution, while Amazon MGM will cover the U.S. release. Fans in the United Kingdom and Ireland can expect an earlier release on November 6, 2024.
While the film will eventually land on Prime Video, the decision to give Red One a theatrical debut underscores Amazon MGM’s confidence in its franchise potential. The theatrical release could also boost box office numbers and generate buzz before the film hits streaming.
The Stakes Are High: Will Red One Launch a New Holiday Franchise?
With a budget of $250 million and a production team dedicated to creating a fresh holiday experience, Red One is being positioned as more than just a one-off Christmas film. If it performs well at the box office and on streaming, the movie could pave the way for a series of holiday-themed action adventures. Given its mix of humor, family-friendly action, and beloved Christmas tropes, Red One has the potential to become an annual holiday favorite alongside classics like Home Alone and The Santa Claus.
Early Buzz and Projections
While footage of Red One was shown at CinemaCon in 2023, audiences remain in the dark about specific plot details or action scenes. Selected journalists previewed the footage, though strict non-disclosure agreements prevented them from revealing much. However, early buzz suggests the film’s blend of adventure, humor, and Christmas cheer could draw large audiences. Industry insiders are cautiously optimistic, projecting Red One to gross between $20–40 million in its opening weekend. This figure could climb even higher if holiday season timing and audience anticipation align.
Final Thoughts: Why Red One Could Be the Surprise Hit of the Season
At a time when holiday movies often lean on feel-good nostalgia, Red One sets itself apart by offering a fresh, action-packed take on Christmas that appeals to both family audiences and action lovers. The combination of a dynamic cast, innovative premise, and high-stakes production has positioned Red One as a film to watch this holiday season. Whether it lives up to the hype remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Red One is bringing a new flavor to holiday movies, and audiences around the world are excited to unwrap it.