The Rock faces backlash after Nolan comparison fails to impress
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has not been receiving positive press lately. Media outlets worldwide are reporting on his problematic behaviour on film sets. Now, he has become the subject of ridicule for comparing his new holiday film to the works of Christopher Nolan.
The Rock was recently accused of causing the production of "Red One" to incur an additional 70 million Canadian dollars due to his star behaviour. Johnson was allegedly habitually late to shoots, which extended the working hours of the entire crew and resulted in extra costs. Additionally, journalists reported that The Rock urinates into bottles. The star recently commented on these reports, confirming the use of bottles but denying claims of lateness and causing problems. However, North American media seem to have started to take a negative view of The Rock, pointing out his boastful remarks about "Red One."
The Rock compared to Christopher Nolan
What's "Red One" about? After the kidnapping of Santa Claus, the head of security at the North Pole (Dwayne Johnson) must team up with a notorious bounty hunter (Chris Evans) in an action-packed mission to save Christmas. It's a typical action film for families to enjoy in theatres during the pre-holiday season. It fits perfectly into the trend of unique holiday films that counteract the Christmas romantic comedies. In 2022, such a production was "Violent Night" featuring David Harbour.
"Red One" is receiving poor reviews. Meanwhile, The Rock boldly claims that after watching "Oppenheimer" in IMAX technology, sitting in the same seat as Christopher Nolan, he desired the same standard for his production. "Legitimately, the biggest screens possible are Imax. I was midway through shooting Red One, and I had an opportunity to see Oppenheimer. It was amazing, but I was thinking: 'Red One on this screen and with this technology could be game over,'" he said confidently in an interview.
However, "Red One" hasn't succeeded at the level of Nolan’s film. "Oppenheimer" earned nearly 1.4 billion Canadian dollars worldwide and won Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, and for actors Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr.
Meanwhile, "Red One," with a budget of 350 million Canadian dollars, earned only 36 million during its international premiere. The film will be released in U.S. theatres on November 15, but forecasts predict a weak opening of around 28 million Canadian dollars.
Critics are also not favourable to the production. Owen Gleiberman from "Variety" wrote in his review: "I'm not sure that a Hollywood movie has ever kicked off the season with less true Christmas spirit than 'Red One.'"
