Dwayne Johnson's 'Red One' breaks streaming records with lightning-fast release

In the United States, Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans' Christmas film Red One was released in theaters on November 15, 2024. Opening on 4,032 screens, it earned approximately $34 million during its debut weekend at the box office. The production of Red One had a significant budget estimated at $200 million before accounting for prints and advertising costs, placing a considerable financial burden on the studio. Although the film is still showing on around 3,150 screens in North America, it became available for streaming on Prime Video just under a month after its release. The quick transition to streaming can be attributed to the strategic approach taken by Amazon MGM Studios. Originally, the film was intended to be launched directly on the streaming platform. However, the decision to first release it theatrically allowed the studio to recover some costs associated with the production and serve as a test to gauge audience interest. In recent years, many studios have opted for simultaneous or rapid digital releases as part of evolving distribution models, especially in light of changing viewing habits due to the pandemic. Launching Red One on streaming during the holiday season is a calculated move. The December holiday period is a prime time for family-oriented films, and availability on Prime Video aligns with consumer demand for festive entertainment. By debuting the film on the platform before the end of the calendar year, Amazon MGM Studios positions itself to benefit from holiday viewership, which can translate to increased subscriptions and engagement on their platform. This release strategy reflects broader trends in the film industry, where studios are increasingly balancing theatrical releases with streaming availability. As seen with previous Amazon MGM theatrical releases, there is a precedent for content transitioning from cinemas to online platforms. With Red One's release, consumers can enjoy it at home, leading to discussions on the future of movie releases in an era where convenience and rapid access to content is highly valued.