Dwayne Johnson’s Christmas movie streaming numbers have taken an unexpected turn, as his holiday film “Red One,” which initially flopped at the box office, is now climbing global streaming charts. Released last season, the movie was met with lukewarm critical response but has soared in popularity as viewers rediscover it on HBO Max during the holiday season.
‘Red One’ Finds New Life on Streaming Platforms
Although Dwayne Johnson is best known for blockbuster adventures like the Jumanji franchise and his voice work in Moana, he stepped away from his usual action-packed roles with “The Smashing Machine,” earning praise from critics and even Oscar buzz. However, his earlier holiday-themed project, “Red One,” initially struggled financially and critically, managing only $185.9 million worldwide and landing with a low critics’ score of 30% on Rotten Tomatoes.
The film, directed by Jake Kasdan—who previously worked with Johnson on Jumanji—takes audiences to the North Pole and follows Johnson’s character, Callum Drift, the Head of Security, as he pairs up with Jack O’Malley (played by Chris Evans), the world’s most infamous hacker. Their mission: track down a kidnapped Santa Claus and save Christmas, taking viewers from the snowy landscapes of the North Pole to high-stakes adventures around the globe.
Despite its rocky start, “Red One” is now holding the number eight spot on HBO Max’s trending titles. The film features a strong supporting cast including JK Simmons as Santa, Lucy Liu as Zoe, Kiernan Shipka as Grýla, and Bonnie Hunt as Mrs. Claus. While critics were tough on the movie, audiences have responded much more positively, rating it at 89% on Rotten Tomatoes. As the holiday spirit returns, many fans are giving the movie a second chance by streaming it online.
Dwayne Johnson Returns to Adventure with ‘Jumanji 4’
In the wake of his heartfelt turn in “The Smashing Machine,” Johnson has shifted back to what he does best—adventure and comedy. Production on “Jumanji 4” has officially started at Universal Studios Hollywood, promising more high-energy escapades. Johnson reunites with his original co-stars Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, and Jack Black in this much-anticipated sequel to Jumanji: The Next Level. Actors Alex Wolff, Morgan Turner, Madison Iseman, and Ser’Darius Blaine are also back as the teens whose story anchors the franchise.
While plot details for “Jumanji 4” are still being kept secret, new cast members Awkwafina, Brittany O’Grady, and Burn Gorman have joined, adding fresh energy and challenges for Johnson’s team. The franchise’s dedicated fanbase, which spans audiences worldwide, eagerly awaits the film’s release scheduled for December 11, 2026.
Star-Studded Ensemble Amplifies Holiday Tale
The cast of “Red One” brings together notable names, with Dwayne Johnson portraying Callum Drift and Chris Evans taking on the role of Jack O’Malley. JK Simmons lends his talents as Santa Claus, Lucy Liu plays Zoe, and Kiernan Shipka steps in as Grýla. Moreover, Bonnie Hunt portrays Mrs. Claus, adding a familiar presence to the festive storyline, while Brittany O’Grady and Burn Gorman contribute to the list of new faces enriching the cast for future projects.
Returning collaborators like director Jake Kasdan and co-stars from the Jumanji films—as well as icons such as Jack Black and Kevin Hart—underscore the ongoing appeal of these adventure comedies. The strong chemistry among the ensemble, including Madison Iseman, Alex Wolff, and Ser’Darius Blaine, helps ensure each entry remains engaging for audiences across generations.
“Red One” is now available for streaming on HBO Max, while “Jumanji 4” gears up for a winter 2026 release. As Dwayne Johnson’s holiday flop transforms into a streaming sensation, the actor demonstrates his versatility, with both longtime fans and new viewers enjoying his evolving roles in world-spanning adventures and Christmas tales alike.
