Behind the scenes, "Red One" struggles with delays and budget overruns, spotlighting potential cracks in Dwayne Johnson's otherwise polished persona.
For over two decades, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has epitomized the archetype of the hard-working Hollywood star. Known for his action-packed roles and reliable box-office draw, Johnson's reputation has remained largely untarnished—until now. The upcoming Amazon MGM film, “Red One,” intended as a high-energy Christmas spectacle, has instead turned into a high-profile budgetary blunder, revealing a different facet of Johnson's professional conduct.
Initially set for a 2023 Christmas release, “Red One” has been pushed back to November 2024, ostensibly due to the impact of last year’s labor strikes. However, the true narrative is fraught with complications. Johnson’s repeated tardiness and reported lack of professionalism on set, coupled with the inexperience of key production figures, have propelled the film's budget to a staggering $250 million—more akin to a superhero blockbuster than a festive family movie.
Johnson's co-stars, Chris Evans and J.K. Simmons, find themselves amidst a tempest of production woes. Insiders attribute these issues to the fledgling expertise of lead producer Hiram Garcia and Amazon MGM executives Julie Rapaport and Glenn Gainor. This “perfect storm” of inexperience and mismanagement not only inflated costs but also cast a shadow over the project’s execution.
The drama surrounding “Red One” doesn't end with financial missteps. Johnson’s behavior on set has raised eyebrows and ire alike. Known for his punctuality problems, Johnson has been accused of arriving hours late, sometimes not showing up at all, complicating shooting schedules significantly. This has had a ripple effect, causing delays and frustrations among crew and cast members, and inflating the production budget by tens of millions.
Moreover, Johnson’s alleged practice of using a Voss water bottle for urination on set to save time has also been a point of contention, though it remains unverified in the context of “Red One.” Such behavior, along with his influence over production decisions, hints at a deeper issue of control and disregard for conventional filming protocols.
Despite these challenges, Amazon MGM has defended the production, highlighting strong test screenings and Johnson's integral role in the film's eventual completion. They refute claims of his detrimental lateness and assert that the project remains a solid investment, poised to captivate holiday audiences.
Yet, this is not Johnson’s first brush with controversy. His history of delays and disputes has been noted in other projects like WWE appearances and previous films such as “Ballers” and “Rampage.” These patterns suggest a consistency in Johnson’s approach to his professional commitments, which may impact his future projects and collaborations.
As Johnson prepares for his next roles, including a biopic with A24, the industry watches closely. Will the smaller, more agile studios like A24 be able to navigate the challenges that come with a star of Johnson’s caliber, or will they too find themselves overshadowed by the enormity of his persona?
Despite the setbacks, if “Red One” manages to deliver on its cinematic promise, it might still recoup its hefty investment and possibly pave the way for Johnson's continued success in Hollywood. However, the underlying issues highlighted by its troubled production are likely to spark broader discussions about sustainability and accountability in big-budget filmmaking.
As Amazon MGM and Johnson navigate these turbulent waters, only time will tell if “Red One” will be a festive triumph or an expensive lesson in the complexities of modern movie-making.
As we await the delayed release of "Red One," the film industry and audiences alike are reminded that even the most bankable stars face challenges that can derail even the most promising projects.
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Source: The Wrap
Photo Credit: Chris Smith The Wrap
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