Red One pairs 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 with Avengers: Endgame, Evans found a role in Red One as 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 for Red One‘s cast.

In Red 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 even Red One‘s reviews note 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 in Red One after playing Scott Lang/Ant-Man in the MCU. The Christmas movie brings the Ant-Man movies to 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 One character has a distant relationship with his kid and puts in little effort.

The similarities between Jack O’Malley and Scott Lang show why Paul Rudd could have been a perfect casting choice for Red One. He’s proven throughout his multiple MCU appearances that he can play a criminal turned loveable hero. Red One does 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 his Ant-Man and Role Models performances, he would have nailed what Red One wanted from Jack.

Paul Rudd’s Casting Would Have Improved Red One’s Comedy

Rudd Is Naturally Funnier Than Evans

Red One could have benefited from casting Paul Rudd thanks to his comedic sensibilities. A big part of Jack’s purpose in the movie is to be a regular human who is constantly astonished by the mythological beings he encounters throughout 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 in
Reno 911: Miami
, but they did not share any scenes

Rudd’s comedic timing, line deliveries, and expressions may have been enough to make Red One a 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 a Red One sequel ever happens, perhaps Dwayne Johnson will consider adding Paul Rudd to the mix opposite him and Chris Evans.