Dwayne Johnson streaming success has become a reality as “Red One,” once overlooked in theaters, emerges as Prime Video’s number one global movie this holiday season. The action-comedy, directed by Jake Kasdan and featuring a star-studded cast, has found new life with streaming audiences, overcoming a lukewarm box office run.
Red One Finds Its Audience on Prime Video
Despite a series of cinematic setbacks, including the underperformance of “Black Adam” in the DC Universe and the quickly forgotten “Red Notice” on Netflix with Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot, Dwayne Johnson’s fortunes have shifted on streaming platforms. While “The Smashing Machine” in 2025 earned him critical recognition, it still saw disappointing ticket sales. However, “Red One” has bucked this trend, transforming into a holiday favorite watched worldwide on Prime Video.
Directed by Jake Kasdan, the movie transports viewers to a frosty version of the North Pole. Johnson stars as Callum Drift, the Head of Security, who is tasked with partnering with notorious hacker Jack O’Malley (played by Chris Evans) to track down a kidnapped Santa and save Christmas. Upon release, “Red One” earned only $185.9 million, a figure dwarfed by its $250 million budget, and was met with a divided response: critics rated it at 30% on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences gave a much more favorable score of 89%.
The movie’s staying power has grown thanks to its availability on streaming, with consistent appearances on various streaming charts and renewed interest throughout the holiday season. “Red One” boasts a talented ensemble, including JK Simmons as Santa, Lucy Liu as Zoe, Kiernan Shipka as Grýla, Bonnie Hunt as Mrs. Claus, and more. Its blend of spirited performances and humorous storytelling has turned initial indifference into wide-reaching enthusiasm during the most festive time of year.
Upcoming Roles for Dwayne Johnson
After this unexpected streaming victory, fans are eager to see where Dwayne Johnson appears next. His most talked-about upcoming film is the live-action adaptation of “Moana,” recently teased with an engaging trailer. Under the direction of Thomas Kail, this Disney production sees Johnson reprising his role as Maui and stepping behind the scenes as a producer as well, which could spell another box office success considering Disney’s past achievements in live-action storytelling.
“Jumanji 4” is also on the horizon, currently in production in Los Angeles. This sequel reunites Johnson with co-stars Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, and Jack Black, along with Alex Wolff, Morgan Turner, Madison Iseman, and Ser’Darius Blaine coming back to their familiar world roles. The film, with its ensemble cast and proven franchise appeal, is slated for release in December 2026, further demonstrating Johnson’s enduring relevance in Hollywood.
Why Red One Resonates with Viewers
At its core, “Red One” manages to capture the holiday spirit with action and humor, distinguishing itself from Johnson’s recent big-screen endeavors. With standout performances from JK Simmons, Lucy Liu, Kiernan Shipka, Bonnie Hunt, and Chris Evans, the movie creates an entertaining adventure that continues to draw audiences back during the winter months.
As a testament to the power of streaming, “Red One” is streaming now on Prime Video, attracting both fans and newcomers. The movie’s ability to rebound from its theatrical troubles to become a seasonal favorite exemplifies how the digital era can offer new opportunities for films and actors alike.
