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The film’s staggering $250 million budget—plus $100 million for promotion—placed Red One among the most expensive holiday movies ever produced. This raises important questions about the return on investment, especially given its tepid opening numbers. Historically, blockbuster productions need strong legs, or sustained audience interest over the holiday season, to turn a profit. Yet, with Wicked, Gladiator 2, and other Dwayne Johnson projects like Moana 2 set to dominate the box office in the coming weeks, Red One faces an uphill battle.