Despite the extensive promotional efforts surrounding Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, his latest project, Red One, is projected to experience a modest opening at the box office. This outcome, while not entirely unexpected, raises questions about the film’s reception and performance in comparison to Johnson’s previous successes.

As anticipated, Dwayne Johnson’s high-budget holiday action-comedy, Red One, is on track for one of the lowest opening weekends of his career. Current estimates indicate a debut of around $30 million, which, while slightly better than the $25 million forecast earlier, is still disappointing given that the film carries a hefty production budget of $250 million. This situation casts a shadow over Johnson’s reputation, especially since his last genuine box office hit was Jumanji: The Next Level, released in 2019. The stark contrast between the film’s budget and its expected earnings signals a potential box office misfire for the star.

However, Red One does show promise through its impressive CinemaScore, currently rated at an A-minus. This suggests that audiences who choose to view the film are finding enjoyment in it, despite the mixed critical reception. Although my own review was less than favorable, there’s a possibility that even if the movie underperforms in theaters, it could gain traction once it becomes available for streaming on Prime Video. Given the film’s holiday theme paired with its disappointing box office numbers, it’s reasonable to speculate that Amazon might expedite its streaming release to capitalize on holiday viewership.

Interestingly, Red One might not be a total failure for Amazon-MGM in the grand scheme of things. Historically, Christmas films tend to have a longer lifespan and can become cult classics over time. Films like Jingle All the Way and The Polar Express faced initial criticism yet evolved into beloved annual traditions. In this context, the real impact of Red One‘s lackluster opening could primarily affect Johnson himself, as it may be perceived as a further sign of diminishing star power. Nonetheless, with the upcoming release of Moana 2 likely to attract family audiences, and his A24 drama, The Smashing Machine, potentially enhancing his artistic credibility, Johnson’s career may still have significant potential for revival. It raises the question of whether audiences are becoming fatigued with the similar offerings from him, as Red One does not differentiate itself significantly from his previous hits like Red Notice, Jungle Cruise, and Jumanji.

Did any readers catch Red One this weekend? We would love to hear your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below!