Genre jumpers aren’t new to Hollywood. So it is not odd to see actors transverse across boundaries to entertain fans in new and surprising manners. In fact, more than a few action stars have crossed over. In some instances, they have won the hearts of fans and, in others, made them run for cover. However, one of the more common leaps has been from action films to holiday fare.

In 1996, Arnold Schwarzenegger turned his black sunshades and leather coat for holiday havoc in the Jingle All the Way feature. Many fans were surprised to see Schwarzenegger in a role so far removed from that of The Terminator. Last year Ryan Reynolds stepped outside his titular role as comedic antihero Deadpool for the embodiment of a scrooge type in the 2022 Apple+ series Spirited.
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Surely, Reynolds and co-star Ferrell’s pairing shocked more than a few. And this year, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson will take on the holiday in his own fashion in an upcoming feature.

Red One: The Plot

Amazon Studios

As most things go, fans have only been tossed a few crumbs on the plot. This does little to satiate a desire for detail. Nevertheless, it is part and parcel of enticement. However, what is known is the film’s title, the cast, and some tidbits tossed around in the media. And given the title and the thematic material, it’s a safe bet that Red One is Papa Noel.

The dropped hints of the appearance of Krampus via on-set photos give an added clue. As most know, Krampus is the bad guy of Christmas. He’s the figure that makes it clear no one wants to find their name on the naughty list. These details, added to Johnson’s description, give some indicators of what to expect. According to Collider, Johnson pegged Red One as this,

“Jumanji meets Miracle on 34th Street meets Hobbs & Shaw with a dash of Harry Potter and sprinkled on top with my all-time favorite Christmas movie, It’s A Wonderful Life… let all that sink in.”

It’s hard not to argue that, given such a synopsis, the movie will be a hodgepodge. Despite the puzzling mixture, it is a signifier that the flick will be filled with high-octane action, drama, and an equal dusting of magic. However, it’s not like Johnson to not give his fans the razzle-dazzle.

Perhaps one can also expect a few full-throttle chase scenes since Hobbs and Shaw of the Fast and Furious franchise were explicitly mentioned. So, what do fans expect to see, given what is known about Red One?

Lots of Action for Red One

Amazon

There’s no question that Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s name has become synonymous with action films. He’s gained wide acclaim for his part in the movies Fast and Furious, Hobbs and Shaw, Skyscraper, and Red Notice. And from the media exchanges, action is exactly what fans will get. From the roster of actors to the on-set still photos, they all point to a complete delivery of action.

One needs only consider the cast, which includes Chris Evans of The Gray Man and Avengers. Then there’s Lucy Liu from Charlie’s Angels and Kill Bill. Kristofer Hivju, of Game of Thrones, The Fate of the Furious, and Cocaine Bear, will also have a role. And, of course, Johnson himself

Related: 10 Essential Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Moments In Movies, Ranked

Red One: Expecting a Strong Moral Center

New Line Cinema

Johnson has chosen to act in many films with a solid moral center. These movies include Journey, Jungle Cruise, Jumanji, Game Plan, and Fast and the Furious. Peel away all the layers of action and drama; there is always a heartwarming sentiment to share with the world. Given that Rock is behind this feature, and it’s a holiday film, this increases the likelihood that fans will get what they want, lots of moral goodness.

Related: Why There Haven’t Been Any Modern Christmas Classics in the 2020s

Red One: Bustling with Magic

Sony Pictures Releasing

The Rock has all but promised a magical experience. In his earlier message, he drew a parallel to films whose premise is expansive magic, such as Harry Potter, Jumanji, and Miracle on 34th Street. That is a triple dose of magic. And beyond the build-up, per The Rock’s statement, holidays are all about magic. So, fans expect that Red One will deliver on that holiday whimsy.

Action stars making the leap from their respective genres to holiday films is nothing new. However, not all have fared so well in their transfer. Given The Rock’s impressive filmography and ability to transition smoothly between action-packed movies and more family-friendly content with a high moral value, he’s more than prepared to conquer the holidays. And word has it, this may be the start of much, much more. According to Looper,

“Johnson and Amazon think this action film could be something pretty special, with Johnson saying it’s the start of a “one of a kind Christmas franchise for you and your families around the world to enjoy.”

But, while no specific release date has been set, one can be assured that it will be released this year, which makes one thing certain: the holidays are already shaping up to be adventurous and action-packed.