Dwayne Johnson Calls J.K. Simmons’ Fit Santa His Favorite Part of ‘Red One’ – And We Totally Get It!

Dwayne Johnson Calls J.K. Simmons’ Fit Santa His Favorite Part of ‘Red One’ – And We Totally Get It!

In the world of holiday films, we’ve seen Santas of all kinds: jolly Santas, grumpy Santas, magical Santas — but a ripped Santa? That’s a whole new sleigh ride. Leave it to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and J.K. Simmons to redefine holiday movie magic with Red One, a high-octane Christmas adventure where Simmons’ portrayal of a muscled, action-ready Santa Claus has become the standout highlight.

In a recent interview, Johnson revealed that working alongside Simmons’ “Fit Santa” was one of his favorite parts of making Red One. And honestly, it’s easy to see why. Here’s everything we know about this dynamic duo, the film’s innovative take on Santa Claus, and why this collaboration is already shaping up to be a holiday classic.

Dwayne Johnson and J.K. Simmons: A Holiday Power Duo

Red One, an Amazon Prime original, promises to flip the traditional holiday movie genre on its head. Described as a “globe-trotting Christmas adventure,” the film pairs Dwayne Johnson as Callum Drift, a hero on a mission, with none other than J.K. Simmons as Santa Claus. But this isn’t the rosy-cheeked, cookie-loving Santa we’ve come to expect. Instead, Simmons brings a fresh (and muscular) twist to the beloved holiday icon.

“I’ve worked with a lot of talented actors in my career, but watching J.K. Simmons transform into this badass version of Santa was something else entirely,” Johnson shared. “He didn’t just play Santa; he became Santa — in a way no one’s ever seen before.”

Fans who’ve caught glimpses of the movie’s promotional images were quick to notice that Simmons’ Santa has biceps almost as big as Johnson’s. With a physique that screams “superhero” more than “chimney-climber,” Simmons delivers a portrayal that feels equal parts heartwarming and formidable.

A Buff Santa Claus? Here’s How J.K. Simmons Prepared for the Role

J.K. Simmons is no stranger to physical transformations. After earning praise for his ripped physique in Justice League, Simmons doubled down on his fitness regime to bring this unique Santa Claus to life. Photos of him lifting weights in preparation for the role went viral months before the movie’s release, and the buzz hasn’t slowed since.

“I didn’t want to just wear a muscle suit,” Simmons said in an interview. “This Santa needed to feel real. He’s a protector, a fighter, but also someone who embodies the spirit of Christmas. That’s a lot of layers — and some of those layers just happened to be muscle.”

According to Simmons, the fitness journey was about more than just looking the part; it was about capturing the essence of a Santa who could handle the physical demands of saving Christmas while still delivering gifts and spreading cheer.

Why Dwayne Johnson Fell in Love with the Character

For Dwayne Johnson, who also serves as a producer on the film, Santa Claus was always meant to be a pivotal character in Red One. But Simmons’ portrayal took the character far beyond what anyone anticipated.

“One of my favorite moments on set was watching J.K. in action,” Johnson said. “He has this incredible ability to switch between the warmth and charm you expect from Santa and the kind of grit and determination you’d see in a superhero. He completely stole the show.”

Johnson also emphasized how important it was to reimagine Santa in a way that resonated with modern audiences. “We’ve all grown up with the classic image of Santa — the beard, the belly, the laughs. And while we love that version, we wanted to show that Santa can be so much more. He’s a symbol of strength, resilience, and love, and J.K. nailed every part of that.”

How ‘Red One’ Is Changing the Holiday Movie Game

Directed by Jake Kasdan (Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle), Red One combines action, humor, and holiday spirit into a genre-bending adventure. The film takes viewers on a wild ride as Callum Drift (Johnson) teams up with Santa to save Christmas from a world-threatening danger.

But don’t let the action-packed premise fool you. At its heart, Red One is still very much a Christmas movie, filled with themes of family, hope, and the joy of the holiday season. And according to Johnson, J.K. Simmons’ Santa is the emotional core of the story.

“There’s a moment in the movie where Santa gives this speech about what Christmas really means,” Johnson teased. “It’s powerful, it’s heartfelt, and it’s a reminder that even in a crazy, action-packed world, the holiday spirit is what brings us together.”

Fans Are Already Loving Fit Santa

Even before the film’s release, fans have been buzzing about Simmons’ new take on Santa Claus. Social media exploded when promotional images showed Simmons in full Santa gear — complete with a red suit tailored to showcase his chiseled arms.

“Santa’s been hitting the North Pole gym!” one fan joked on Twitter. Another wrote, “I didn’t know I needed a jacked Santa in my life until now.”

The buzz has only fueled excitement for Red One, which promises to be a fresh and exciting addition to the holiday movie lineup. “We’re not just making a movie,” Johnson said. “We’re creating a whole new version of Christmas magic.”

What’s Next for The Rock and Simmons?

While Red One is set to debut this holiday season, fans are already wondering if this duo will return for a sequel. When asked about the possibility, Johnson didn’t rule it out.

“Let’s just say this isn’t the last you’ll see of J.K.’s Santa,” he hinted. “There’s a lot more story to tell, and I’d be thrilled to team up with him again.”

As for Simmons, he’s just happy to have been part of a project that brings joy to audiences. “Playing Santa was a dream role,” he said. “And doing it in such a unique way? That’s the kind of magic you don’t find every day.”

Why ‘Red One’ Is a Must-Watch

With a star-studded cast, a fresh take on holiday traditions, and the unbeatable chemistry between Dwayne Johnson and J.K. Simmons, Red One is shaping up to be the breakout Christmas movie of the year. Whether you’re tuning in for the action, the laughs, or just to see Santa bench-press a sleigh, this film promises something for everyone.

And if there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that Simmons’ Fit Santa is already a holiday icon in the making. As Johnson put it best, “J.K. Simmons’ Santa isn’t just my favorite part of Red One. He’s one of my favorite parts of Christmas this year.”