Red One (2024) is one of the most anticipated holiday action-comedies of the year, blending action, comedy, fantasy and family-friendly holiday magic. Directed by Jake Kasdan and starring Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, J.K. Simmons and Lucy Liu, this English-language film opened in November 2024 and was positioned as a big-screen Christmas event before moving to streaming. 0
Movie Overview

Red One is a globe-trotting, holiday-themed action-adventure that mixes high-stakes set pieces with family-friendly comedy and festive fantasy. The story centers on Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson), the long-serving head of North Pole security, who must partner with an infamous hacker/bounty hunter (Chris Evans) to rescue Santa Claus after a daring kidnapping. Along the way the film leans into holiday spectacle, buddy-comedy chemistry, and large-scale action sequences. 1
Why Red One matters (SEO blurb)
If you’re searching for “Red One 2024,” “Dwayne Johnson holiday movie,” or “Red One streaming and release,” this film is notable because it was developed by Seven Bucks Productions and Amazon MGM, released theatrically in November 2024 and marketed as a potential franchise-starter for Christmas action-comedy adventures. The large cast, franchise potential, and theatrical + streaming release strategy make it a major title for fans of holiday blockbusters and family action films. 2
Attribute Details
- Title: Red One
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Holiday
- Language: English
- Release Date: International theatrical rollout began November 6, 2024; United States theatrical release November 15, 2024; Prime Video streaming December 12, 2024. 3
- Director: Jake Kasdan. 4
- Writer: Screenplay by Chris Morgan, story by Hiram Garcia. 5
- Runtime: 123 minutes. 6
- Distributor: Amazon MGM Studios (U.S.); Warner Bros. Pictures (international). 7
- Notable Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, J.K. Simmons, Lucy Liu, Kiernan Shipka, Bonnie Hunt, Nick Kroll, Kristofer Hivju. 8
Plot (Concise)
The North Pole’s head of security, Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson), has protected Santa Claus for centuries but faces a crisis when Santa (code name: RED ONE) is kidnapped just before Christmas. Callum reluctantly teams up with Jack O’Malley (Chris Evans), a notorious hacker/bounty hunter, and a ragtag group of allies to stop a plot that threatens the spirit of the holiday worldwide. The film combines chase sequences, clandestine break-ins, Santa-lore twists, and the classic “unlikely partners” humor that fuels the movie’s emotional and comic beats. 9
Cast & Characters
- Dwayne Johnson as Callum Drift — Head of North Pole security and the movie’s action lead. 10
- Chris Evans as Jack O’Malley — A charismatic hacker/bounty hunter who provides roguish counterpoint to Johnson’s straight-man. 11
- J.K. Simmons as Santa Claus (code name: RED ONE) — The kidnapped figure at the center of the plot. 12
- Lucy Liu, Kiernan Shipka, Bonnie Hunt, Nick Kroll and others round out the ensemble cast in supporting roles that mix humor and heart. 13
Production Notes
Red One was produced by Amazon MGM Studios along with Seven Bucks Productions and other partners. The screenplay was written by Chris Morgan from a story developed by Hiram Garcia, and principal photography took place in late 2022 through early 2023 with locations including Atlanta. The production was notable for its high-profile cast and sizable budget, which industry reports estimated in the $200–250 million range. 14
Release Strategy & Distribution
Originally intended for an exclusive Prime Video release, Red One’s distribution plan was changed to include a theatrical run, with Warner Bros. handling international theatrical distribution and Amazon MGM handling U.S. theatrical release followed by streaming on Prime Video. The hybrid strategy—big theatrical push into November and streaming arrival in December—aimed to capture holiday box-office audiences and then turn to streaming for family viewership. 15
Reception & Box Office
Critical reception was mixed, with many reviews praising the star power and holiday spectacle while criticizing pacing and tonal unevenness in places. Audience reaction focused on the film’s crowd-pleasing set pieces and family appeal. Box office performance was closely watched given the film’s large budget and high-profile cast; coverage following release monitored its commercial return during the competitive holiday window. For many viewers, the chemistry between Johnson and Evans was a highlight even where plot or pacing divided critics. 16
Where to Watch
Red One had a theatrical release in November 2024. It was scheduled to arrive on Prime Video on December 12, 2024, following the theatrical window. If you’re searching for “Red One streaming,” Prime Video is the official streaming home after the theatrical run. Check your local listings for theatrical showtimes or Prime Video for the streaming date in your region. 17
SEO-Friendly Takeaways (for sites & reviews)
- Primary keywords: Red One 2024, Dwayne Johnson Red One, Red One movie review, Red One streaming, Red One cast.
- Secondary keywords: holiday action movie, Christmas action comedy, Jake Kasdan Red One, J.K. Simmons Santa.
- Suggested meta description: “Red One (2024) — Dwayne Johnson leads a globe-trotting holiday action-comedy directed by Jake Kasdan. Learn the cast, plot, release dates, and where to stream.”
- Recommended H2s for SEO: Plot, Cast & Characters, Production Notes, Release & Where to Watch, Reception & Box Office.
Quick FAQ
Q: Who directed Red One? A: Jake Kasdan. 18
Q: When was Red One released? A: The film opened internationally in early November 2024 and in the U.S. on November 15, 2024; it streamed on Prime Video starting December 12, 2024. 19
Q: Is Red One family-friendly? A: Yes — it’s rated PG-13 and designed as a family holiday action-comedy with thrills and humor suitable for older kids and adults. 20
Final Notes
Red One aimed to be a modern blockbuster holiday event: high production values, a star-studded cast, and the potential to launch a franchise of seasonal action comedies. Whether you’re writing a review, building an SEO page, or simply deciding whether to watch it with family this holiday season, the key facts above — director, stars, release strategy and plot — will help you frame the film accurately. 21