Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Red One
While Red One is about saving a kidnapped Santa Claus in time for Christmas, it also features Krampus, a far darker figure from winter and Christmas mythology. As Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s Callum Drift and Chris Evans’ Jack O’Malley work together to locate and rescue Santa, one of their biggest leads is Krampus himself, Santa’s mythological darker half. However, the monstrously horned Krampus is also perfectly cast in this new Christmas action movie.
In Red One, Krampus is introduced as the adopted brother and former partner of Santa Claus, inspired by German folklore where Krampus would punish all the naughty children (and even drag them to hell), while St. Nicholas gave gifts to those who’d been good. While Red One confirms the brothers had a falling out, Krampus was the originator of the naughty list and becomes a key lead for Callum and Jack in their investigation after J.K Simmons’ Santa Claus is mysteriously kidnapped by dark forces. To that end, here’s who plays Krampus in Red One, and where viewers have likely seen the actor before.
Game Of Thrones Star Kristofer Hivju Plays Krampus In Red One
Santa Claus’ Adopted Brother From German Mythology
Red One’s version of Krampus is played by none other than Kristofer Hivju. Hivju is best known for his role in Game of Thrones as Tormund Giantsbane, one of Mance Rayder’s Wildling warriors who gradually becomes one of Jon Snow’s most trusted allies in the war against the Night King and his undead armies. In Game of Thrones, Hivju’s Tormund is a fearsome bear of a man and a great lover of both drink and women. To that end, it’s not hard to see why the Norwegian actor was cast as Krampus in Red One (who shares many of the same qualities).
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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.
As Krampus, Kristofer Hivju is covered in some fairly impressive prosthetica as one of Red One’s most notable monsters of myth, including the half goat/half demon’s cloven feet and long horns. The 6ft actor is also made even larger, dwarfing even The Rock’s Callum Drift during a traditional slapping contest for the Krampusnacht holiday (which takes place every day in Krampus’ domain located in Germany). While Santa’s estranged brother is quite imposing, the similarities between Hivju’s Tormund and Krampus are easy to spot, especially when Krampus is convinced to come to the North Pole’s aid and helps defeat the winter witch Grýla (Krampus’ ex-girlfriend).
Other Movies & TV Shows Kristofer Hivju Has Been In
The Witcher, Cocaine Bear, And More
Kristofer Hivju is also known for a variety of other movies and shows beyond Red One and Game of Thrones, as the actor started his career in Norway back in 2001, playing Jim Olsen in the series, Fox Grønland. Other notable roles include Nivellen in Netflix’s The Witcher, Mats in Force Majeure, Olaf in 2023’s Cocaine Bear, as well as Rhodes in 2017’s Fate of the Furious. However, Hivju’s latest role of Krampus is quite impressive with a performance that certainly shines through all the makeup and prosthetics, and the casting itself arguably being one of the best elements of Red One as a whole.
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.
- Director
- Jake Kasdan
- Release Date
- November 15, 2024
- Writers
- Chris Morgan , Hiram Garcia
- Cast
- Dwayne Johnson , Chris Evans , J.K. Simmons , Lucy Liu , Kiernan Shipka , Bonnie Hunt , Kristofer Hivju , Nick Kroll , Wesley Kimmel , Mary Elizabeth Ellis , Wyatt Hunt , Lanz Duffy , Marc Evan Jackson , Ashleigh Domangue , Cody Easterbrook , Jon Rudnitsky , Morla Gorrondona , Jenna Kanell , Rod Maxwell , Fedor Steer , Octavia Grace , Matthew Zuk , Cora Kass , Ahmad Ghafouri , Jeff Chase
- Character(s)
- Callum Drift , Jack O’Malley , Santa Claus , Zoe , Gryla , Mrs. Claus , Krampus , Ted , Dylan , Olivia , Young Jack O’Malley , Gene , Uncle Rick , Jamie Hummiston , HIT Instructor , Beef Stew , Ogre Gryla , Krampus Guest , Stage Manager , Cyclops
- Runtime
- 123 Minutes
