Following its theatrical release, Red One is proving to be a major success on Prime Video. Since its December 12 release on the streamer, it has already become the most-watched film on debut. The Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans-led buddy comedy served its purpose at the box office and has opened with record-breaking numbers for Amazon MGM Studios on Prime Video.
Red One debuts as Prime Video’s biggest movie to date with 50 million views
Red One has become a highly successful Christmas movie for Amazon MGM Studios. Following its Prime Video debut, it was watched by a record-breaking 50 million worldwide viewers over the weekend. Before Red One, the Jake Gyllenhaal-led Road House held this Prime Video record, but it had reached 50 million viewers in two weekends. Red One, however, did it in its 4-day opening weekend.
Upon the movie’s streaming debut, Amazon MGM’s head Jennifer Salke stated:
“Given the audience response to Red One both in theaters and on Prime Video, the film will clearly be a perennial holiday favorite for years to come. Every film is different, and we are so grateful for the partnership with our filmmakers in collectively finding the right strategy to get this film in front of the widest possible audience.” (via Variety)
She continued:
“With Red One, there was no doubt that strategy needed to include a theatrical release and associated marketing campaign, which drove audiences to theaters and generated awareness for the film with viewers who would ultimately tune in on Prime Video. It’s rewarding to see our plan pay off for customers, and we are incredibly thankful to the entire filmmaking team and cast who helped make it happen.”
After opening with $32 million domestically in November, it is still playing on more than 3,000 theater screens and continues to have long legs. It’s also playing on 3,300+ screens internationally and currently stands at a $175 million worldwide total.
Boasting a $250 million production budget, many misinterpreted Red One to have low box office returns. However, Kevin Wilson, Amazon MGM’s head of theatrical distribution, previously told Variety that the film poses as a victory for the studio as it was only meant to cover its massive prints and advertising costs. Standing where it is currently in the theatrical space, it has managed to perform well in that aspect.
Furthermore, it closes a great year for Prime Video by joining other streaming successes including The Boys Season 4, Fallout, and several others.
It received an A- CinemaScore and has a 90% Verified Hot rating on Rotten Tomatoes’ Popcornmeter. The movie also stars Lucy Liu, J.K. Simmons, Kristofer Hivju, Bonnie Hunt, Kiernan Shipka, Nick Kroll, and Wesley Kimmel.
