EXCLUSIVE: JK Simmons and Bonnie Hunt on Red One

A missing Santa Claus, a secret base of operations at the North Pole and a risky mission to save Christmas – “Red One” is an action comedy with a pinch of pre-Christmas spirit. Directed by Jake Kasdan, JK Simmons and Bonnie Hunt play Santa and Mrs. Claus, respectively. They are joined by a star-studded cast including Chris Evans, Dwayne Johnson, Lucy Liu, Kristofer Hivju and Kiernan Shipka. In an exclusive interview with Filmfare, Simmons and Hunt opened up about their experiences on set, the myth of Santa Claus and more.

As an experienced actor, what do you look for in a role?
Bonnie: I’m interested in the story. When Jake Kasdan first called and pitched the story of the film, I was thrilled. I’m drawn to films like this.

JK: Yes, me too. Who you work with is an important aspect and it comes together over a long period of time. And it always depends on what is on the page. If it’s not on the page, it won’t be on the stage. So it has to start with a good script and a good story.

How different is your approach, JK, when making more serious films like Whiplash versus something like Spider-Man?
JK: Surprisingly, it’s not much different because no matter how big, outlandish or weird it may be, even if it’s a comic book movie, I always have to be anchored in some kind of reality. I have to believe that this character is a real person. They come from somewhere and have something to say and something to express. Some films are more intense than others, but the approach is largely the same. The most important thing is to listen to everyone – the director, the other actors in the scene and work with the entire crew.

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What’s behind playing the ripped Santa Claus?
JK: First of all, with this film I had the added motivation of reading the great script and finding out that I have a scene in the gym where I’m working out with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. That gave me the incentive to just eat right, go to the gym as instructed, and work with my trainer. It was very traditional, you know, general fitness and trying to maximize my questionable genetic abilities.

What was your experience working with Dwayne Johnson?
JK: It was fantastic. He reinvented his personality or his career at least several times in his life. He is a remarkable guy, not only very charismatic but also intellectually curious. He was interesting and interested in what you had to say. This obviously did him a lot of good and he became the big movie star that he is. Even with the roles he plays in films, he’s now branching out into more serious, less “The Rock” roles. I look forward to hopefully working with him again and seeing how he continues to develop.

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Bonnie: He’s funny and his enthusiasm is contagious. He was all for this film and worked with a friend he had known since childhood. So it’s great to be part of the team.

JK, Chris, Dwayne and you have made superhero films. Did you make a nerd together?
JK: (Laughs) We talked a lot about spandex. About spending all day wearing makeup. No, really very little. The conversations that usually draw me in between takes on set are about family. It’s about what’s important in your life. And that usually depends on your family and close friends. We’ve probably spent more time talking about mothers, women, and children than anything else.

Were you skeptical as a child or did you buy into the Santa Claus myth?
Bonnie: I absolutely believed it. There is something greater than ourselves that brings us good in our lives or lessons. Strangely enough, JK is the one who told me (laughs).

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JK: (laughs) She’ll be fine. I remember, I mean I don’t remember because I have a terrible memory. But I was completely committed to it. I have a brother who’s four years younger, and I remember the transition period when I went to my parents and said, “Okay, so what’s this about?” And I realized the reality. But I wanted to maintain this illusion for my younger brother as long as possible. I wanted him to have this naive, wonderful faith. That’s why I’m still trying to do that for everyone.

Red One is currently streaming on Prime Video.