Hollywood's action movie landscape is littered with false starts. Not every action movie has a great kickoff, especially when it tries to ride on the coattails of another box-office hit. Case in point, Red One, starring Dwayne Johnson. Despite its bankable lead, the film's journey has been marred by setbacks. Initial projections hinted at a lackluster opening, with Oppenheimer trolls making deeper dents. However, the real challenge lies in recouping its massive $250 million budget plus marketing costs.

With financial constraints now threatening to derail the flick, Red One's fate hangs precariously in the balance, testing the mettle of its producers and stakeholders.

According to a report by Variety, Dwayne Johnson's Christmas action movie Red One has generated $3.7 million in Thursday previews with lukewarm reviews post its release. The Amazon MGM film is projected to earn between $30-35 million, although estimates vary from $25-40 million. This modest start raises concerns about recouping its substantial $250 million budget and marketing costs.

Despite box office uncertainties, Amazon MGM's priorities extend beyond theatrical revenue. The company aims to drive viewers to its Amazon Prime Video streaming service, where Red One will eventually land. As a deep-pocketed entity, Amazon MGM could absorb potential losses, focusing instead on expanding its streaming subscriber base and promoting its brand, until it comes on par with other releases this weekend.

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Despite the underwhelming reception, , Red One might just not need a ‘miracle’ to prove its staying afloat, after all.

The report also suggested that Red One is poised to claim the box office throne as the sole major new release this weekend. It could dethrone three-time champion Venom: The Last Dance and surpass holdovers like Conclave, Heretic, and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. With no significant competition, the movie is expected to dominate the holiday weekend.

Moreover, despite facing trolls and backlash for comparing Red One to Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer, Dwayne Johnson's film remains on track. Johnson's promotional stunt sparked intense debate, but it seems it has not derailed the movie's momentum as much. As Red One prepares to land on Amazon Prime Video after its theatrical run, its box office performance could be closely watched.

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Despite lukewarm reviews of Rotten Tomatoes, what do you think of Johnson's latest flick as a Christmas watch? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.