This past weekend, moviegoers were not exactly feeling the Christmas spirit based on their attendance at showings of "Red One." The big budget action comedy starring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans brought in $34.1 million in its first weekend in theaters, according to studio estimates. While this may seem like a disappointing result for a film with a production budget rumored to be over $200 million, it is important to note that "Red One" is an Amazon MGM Studios release. This gives the film the advantage of having a long-term presence on Prime Video, potentially reaching a wider audience over time.
Originally intended for a straight-to-streaming release, "Red One" was greenlit prior to Amazon's acquisition of MGM. The decision to release the film theatrically could be seen as a gesture of support for struggling theaters, as well as a strategic move to attract viewers to the platform. Kevin Wilson, head of distribution for Amazon MGM Studios, emphasized the value of reaching the platform's 250 million worldwide subscribers.
Despite receiving negative reviews from critics, "Red One" did manage to earn an A- CinemaScore from audiences. This suggests that the film may have the potential to become a holiday favorite in the future. Additionally, the film is performing well in the middle of the country and may have a strong holdover during the Thanksgiving season.
While "Red One" may not have been a box office hit in North America, it is part of a larger trend in the movie industry. With only seven films opening over $30 million since 2020 that are not sequels or based on existing properties, original films face challenges in today's market. However, upcoming releases like "Wicked" and "Moana 2" are expected to bring excitement to the box office leading into the Thanksgiving holiday.
Overall, "Red One" may not have set the box office on fire, but its performance and strategic release by Amazon MGM Studios indicate a shifting landscape in the film industry towards streaming platforms and long-term viewership.