Arnold Schwarzenegger is swapping his action-hero persona for the holiday spirit in his latest project, The Man with the Bag. The iconic actor was spotted in New York City sporting a white beard and festive Santa attire, signaling his debut as Kris Kringle.
“Santa Claus is coming to town!” Schwarzenegger teased in an Instagram post, sharing a glimpse of his transformation. “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.”
A Festive Plot With a Twist
The film follows Santa on an unconventional adventure when his magical bag is stolen. Teaming up with a thief named Vance (played by Alan Ritchson of Reacher fame) and his daughter, Santa gathers a motley crew of misfits to pull off a daring heist to recover the bag and save Christmas.
Directed by Adam Shankman (Hairspray, The Wedding Planner), The Man with the Bag promises family-friendly fun with a comedic edge. The project is being produced by Amazon MGM Studios, though an official release date has yet to be announced.
A Nod to Schwarzenegger’s Holiday Past
This isn’t Schwarzenegger’s first time in a Christmas-themed film. He famously starred in Jingle All the Way (1996), playing a father scrambling to find the season’s hottest toy, Turbo Man, for his son. The movie became a cult holiday classic, blending humor with a relatable tale of holiday chaos and consumerism.
Excitement Builds
Fans of both Schwarzenegger and holiday movies are eagerly awaiting The Man with the Bag. With a fun premise, seasoned director Adam Shankman at the helm, and a promising cast, the film is shaping up to be a festive treat for audiences of all ages.
While we wait for the release date, one thing is certain—Schwarzenegger as Santa is bound to deliver Christmas cheer in a way only the action icon can. Stay tuned!