Red Onepairs Dwayne Johnson with Chris Evans for an original action Christmas movie, but the former Captain America actor was the wrong Marvel Cinematic Universe star for this project - as there was a better option. After retiring from playing Steve Rogers withAvengers: Endgame, Evans found a role inRed Oneas a path to move forward. On paper, the idea of him co-starring with The Rock in a major action movie with a Christmas setting sounded fun, and there was reason to think that this pairing could deliver an entertaining on-screen dynamic forRed One’s cast.
InRed One, Evans plays Jack O’Malley, a criminal with a knack for finding anything or anyone whose personality is a far cry from Marvel’s Star-Spangled Man. Still, it seems Dwayne Johnson and Amazon MGM wanted Evans to be part of the production due to his popularity in the shared superhero universe. If trying to tap into the MCU’s fandom was desired, there are several other veterans of the franchise who also could have done the same. And while evenRed One’s reviewsnote that Evans isn’t bad in the role, one of his MCU co-stars could’ve done even better.
Red One Should’ve Cast Paul Rudd As Jack O’Malley Given The Ant-Man Similarities
Jack Is Not That Different From Scott Lang
It turns out Paul Rudd would have been a great casting option for Jack O’Malley inRed Oneafter playing Scott Lang/Ant-Man in the MCU. The Christmas movie brings theAnt-Manmoviesto mind thanks to the shrinking/growing technology that Dwayne Johnson’s character uses. Even though Jack doesn’t use these abilities,his thieving ways make him similar to Scott Lang. Arguably, the biggest difference between Jack and Scott is how they are as fathers at first, as Evans’Red Onecharacter has a distant relationship with his kid and puts in little effort.
Who Is Red One Even For?
The Rock’s latest movie, Red One, has underperformed with critics and at the box office. Who was it aiming its marketing toward to begin with?
The similarities between Jack O’Malley and Scott Lang show whyPaul Rudd could have been a perfect casting choice forRed One. He’s proven throughout his multiple MCU appearances that he can play a criminal turned loveable hero.Red Onedoes not even require that much action for Jack’s actor, so casting someone like Evans with a more prototypical superhero physique was odd. Rudd’s casting would have helped make Jack feel more like an average criminal. If he blended hisAnt-ManandRole Modelsperformances, he would have nailed whatRed Onewanted from Jack.
Paul Rudd’s Casting Would Have Improved Red One’s Comedy
Rudd Is Naturally Funnier Than Evans
Red Onecould have benefited from casting Paul Rudd thanks to his comedic sensibilities. A big part ofJack’s purpose in the movie is to be a regular human who is constantly astonished by the mythological beings he encountersthroughout the story. He’s also meant to be used for comedic effect with a variety of jokes. While Evans is funny at times, Rudd is a more natural comedian with far greater experience as the more humorous co-star to a main cast member.
Paul Rudd and Dwayne Johnson both appeared inReno 911: Miami, but they did not share any scenes
Rudd’s comedic timing, line deliveries, and expressions may have been enough to makeRed Onea slightly more entertaining film. General audiences have found plenty to like about the film compared to critics, but Paul Rudd’s addition could have improved the experience for everyone. If aRed Onesequel ever happens, perhaps Dwayne Johnson will consider adding Paul Rudd to the mix opposite him and Chris Evans.
