This holiday season, the action comedy featuring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans is finding new life on Prime Video, despite a lackluster performance in theaters. The film, which depicts a mismatched duo on a mission to rescue a kidnapped Santa Claus, has surged in popularity on the streaming platform, ranking as the fourth most-watched movie on Prime Video.
From Theatrical Disappointment to Streaming Hit
Originally released in theaters last fall, the film garnered only $186 million globally against a production budget estimated between $200 million and $250 million. Given this financial backdrop, its theatrical run did not meet expectations. In contrast, the film is now attracting significant attention on streaming, suggesting that viewers are opting to watch it from the comfort of their homes rather than in cinemas.
Amazon’s strategy seems to have shifted as they aimed to bolster Prime Video’s holiday offerings with this high-profile release. While the film’s box office results were disappointing, the streaming numbers indicate that audiences are eager to revisit the film during the festive season. This trend highlights a growing consumer preference for streaming over traditional theatrical releases, particularly for holiday-themed content.
A Mixed Reception, Yet a Growing Audience
Critics did not favor the film, with many reviews leaning towards the negative. Yet, it appears that general audiences have a different perspective, enjoying the film more than critics anticipated. This disparity may be attributed to the film’s charismatic leads. Both Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans bring a vibrant energy to their roles, which has proven to be a significant draw for viewers.
“It’s not a critical darling, but it has enough fascinating elements to resonate with audiences,”
said a film industry analyst.
As families gather and prepare for the holidays, the film’s engaging premise and the star power of its leads are likely to keep it in the rotation of festive favorites. For Prime Video, the film’s renewed success could position it as a staple of holiday viewing, encouraging subscribers to return year after year.
With the ongoing influx of new Christmas movies, Amazon aims to build a collection of go-to holiday favorites. By combining popular titles with fresh releases each season, the platform hopes to create a viewing tradition for subscribers, allowing them to enjoy a different film each night leading up to Christmas.
As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, this action comedy’s unexpected triumph underscores the shifting dynamics in how audiences engage with holiday films. With current trends favoring streaming, Amazon’s investment in holiday content may ultimately prove beneficial, fostering a loyal viewership eager for seasonal entertainment.
