Despite being a Christmas movie,Red Oneoddly has a cameo from the Headless Horseman, and here is why the mythological character appears in the Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson movie.Red Oneis a new franchise centered around exploring the mythology of Christmas, with it introducing the world to a new take on The North Pole, Santa Claus, and a variety of other holiday figures. However,Red Oneexpands beyond the realms of the holidays, with the 2024 movie containing some bizarre appearances from characters like the Headless Horseman.
2024’sRed Onemay not be a box office hit, but the film is one of the biggest scale movies of the year, with it having the potential to spawn a massive franchise. The film explores the aftermath of J.K. Simmons' Santa Claus being kidnapped, with Dwayne Johnson’s Callum Drift, a member of a team of militarized elves,working alongside Chris Evans' Jack O’Malley to rescue him.Red Onereveals that the world is full of magic that is hidden right under the noses of everyday humans, with most of the myths and fables actually being rooted in real-life characters.
The Headless Horseman Is Interrogated About Santa’s Abduction In Red One
M.O.R.A. Thinks That He Is Involved
Early in the events ofRed One, the Headless Horseman makes an appearance, with him being brought into the story in connection with Santa’s abduction. After the forces of the North Pole abduct Jack O’Malley,Callum Drift brings him to secure facilityrun by an organization named M.O.R.A. In the early stages of the investigation, M.O.R.A. decides to bring in any of the usual suspects, with them being interrogated about their potential role in the kidnapping of Santa. While more of these interrogations happen off-screen, the gag features an on-screen appearance by the Headless Horseman.
Red One Soundtrack Guide: Every Song & When They Play
Red One is The Rock’s latest movie, and the Christmas-themed action movie has several classic holiday jingles along with some original music.
Jack first encounters a black horse that breathes fire, with this being the first hint at the Headless Horseman’s appearance. Moments later,two M.O.R.A. employees lead the Headless Horseman out in handcuffs, with him sporting his iconic appearance. Then, two other employees carry out a glass case containing the flaming pumpkin head of the Horseman, with them returning him home. The agents discover that the Headless Horseman had nothing to do with Santa’s kidnapping, with him not being seen again for the rest ofRed One.
The Headless Horseman’s Real Myth Explained
He Is From “The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow”
The Headless Horseman is a classic American fable, with him first appearing in Washington Irving’s iconic1820 short story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.“The story takes place in the small settlement of Sleepy Hollow, with it following a superstitious schoolmaster named Ichabod Crane as he attempts to woo a wealthy farmer’s daughter named Katrina Van Tassel. Ichabod faces competition from another man named Brom, who then decides to scare Ichabod by telling him the story of the Headless Horseman. According to Brom, the Horseman is a Revolutionary War soldier who lost his head in battle, with him rising from the grave every night in search of it.
One night, Ichabod comes across the Horseman, with him fleeing in horror. While in pursuit, the Horseman throws his decapitated head at Ichabod, knocking him off his horse.It is implied that Brom was dressed as the Horseman, with him throwing a pumpkin at Ichabod in order to scare him out of town.
Red One Ending Explained
2024’s Red One is a Christmas movie that sees the kidnapping and rescue of Santa Claus, with lots of action, comedy, and a bit of drama.
Throughout the years since “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” the mythology of the Headless Horseman has changed a lot, with him famously appearing in movies like in Disney’sThe Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toadand in Tim Burton’sSleepy Hollow. Some adaptations confirm that the Headless Horseman is a real supernatural entity, andothers feature the Horseman using a flaming jack o' lantern as his head, both of which are details that can be found inRed One’s take on the mythological character.
The Headless Horseman’s Cameo Is Part Of Red One’s Mythological World-Building
Red One’s World Is So Much Bigger
The Headless Horseman is only a small part ofRed One’s universe, with him being used to set up an entire mythological world. The film introduces M.O.R.A., the Mythological Oversight and Restoration Authority, with them being a governmental organization that keeps track of all of the supernatural creatures on Earth. The introduction of the Headless Horseman implies that all kinds of other characters from mythology, folklore, or holiday traditions could also exist in the world ofRed One, meaning that potential sequels and spinoffs could introduce even more magical creatures.
Red One
Cast
After Santa Claus is kidnapped, the North Pole’s Head of Security (Dwayne Johnson) must team up with a notorious bounty hunter (Chris Evans) in a thrilling, globe-spanning mission to save Christmas. This action-packed holiday adventure mixes comedy and festive magic, with an ensemble cast that includes Lucy Liu and J.K. Simmons.
