Arnold Schwarzenegger is bringing his larger-than-life presence back to the silver screen, donning the iconic red suit of Santa Claus for the new Amazon MGM Studios Christmas film, “The Man with the Bag.”
Known for his role in the holiday hit “Jingle All the Way,” Schwarzenegger once again embraces the festive spirit. This time, he trades the aggressive toy-chasing dad persona for the jolly old man himself, complete with a snug red coat, scarf, and beard. Accompanying him on this merry venture is his co-star Alan Ritchson, recognized for his performances in “Reacher” and “Fast X.”
The announcement about the filming of “The Man With the Bag” was shared in March, but it wasn’t until now that Schwarzenegger gave fans a glimpse of his transformation into Santa. Standing alongside Ritchson in a set photo, he captioned, “Santa Claus is coming to town. It is fantastic to be shooting ‘The Man with the Bag’ with @alanritchson. Our director @adamshankman is one of the funniest directors I’ve worked with, New York City is an amazing host, working with @amazonmgmstudios is a joy, and I can’t wait to share all of this Christmas cheer with each and every one of you.”
Directed by Adam Shankman, known for “A Walk to Remember” and “Hairspray,” and penned by Allan Rice, the movie promises a blend of humor and action. Though details remain under wraps, the plot has been teased as a unique twist on the usual holiday tales. It follows Santa, who must join forces with his daughter, some quirky elves, and Vance—a former thief cited on Santa’s naughty list—to recover his stolen magic bag. This endeavor will require Vance to orchestrate the heist of a lifetime, adding an intriguing spice to this Christmas story.
Beyond his festive role, Schwarzenegger is no stranger to the demands of action films, even into his 70s. He openly acknowledges that while age presents new challenges, it hasn’t diminished his passion for performing stunts. “Rehearsing, rehearsing, and more rehearsing,” as he says, keeps him sharp, though he admits to being a bit sorer the next day. Injuries that were minor inconveniences in his youth now require more caution, but his keen judgment on what is too risky keeps the cameras rolling.
In addition to his film work, the former California governor and bodybuilding icon remains active in environmental advocacy through the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative. His recent ventures include starring in the Netflix docuseries “Arnold,” exploring his fascinating life and career, and the action comedy “Fubar.” Meanwhile, his personal health journey has seen him undergo a pacemaker surgery, which he humorously attributes to his doctors wanting more seasons of “Fubar.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger continues to captivate audiences with his diverse roles and enduring charisma, whether he’s portraying a holiday icon, battling on-screen foes, or championing environmental causes. “The Man with the Bag” is set to add another entertaining chapter to his storied career, bringing a fresh take to the classic Christmas narrative and reminding viewers of the magic that can unfold when past meets present.
