Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as Santa in The Man with the Bag. A festive adventure awaits as Santa embarks on a daring heist to save Christmas.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Becomes Santa Claus in Upcoming Film ‘The Man with the Bag’

Arnold Schwarzenegger, the iconic action star known for classics like The Terminator and Jingle All the Way, is stepping into Santa Claus’ boots in his latest movie, The Man with the Bag. The film, currently in production under Amazon MGM Studios, features Schwarzenegger as Santa in a heartwarming yet action-packed Christmas adventure.
Schwarzenegger, 77, shared a first look at his transformation on social media, donning a festive red coat, scarf, sweater, and a full gray beard. In the post, he expressed his excitement:
“Santa Claus is coming to town! It’s fantastic to be shooting The Man with the Bag with @alanritchson. Our director @adamshankman is hilarious, and New York City is a wonderful host. I can’t wait to share this Christmas cheer with everyone!”
Directed by Adam Shankman (Hairspray, A Walk to Remember), the film promises a unique twist on Christmas traditions. The storyline follows Santa on a thrilling mission to recover his stolen magic bag with the help of Vance, a former thief played by Alan Ritchson (Reacher, Fast X), and his daughter. The duo, along with a group of misfit elves, embarks on a daring heist to save Christmas.
A Legendary Career Spanning Decades

The Man with the Bag marks Schwarzenegger’s return to feature films after Terminator: Dark Fate (2019) and Iron Mask (2020). In recent years, Schwarzenegger has also ventured into streaming projects like the Netflix docuseries Arnold and the action-comedy Fubar.
In a previous interview, Schwarzenegger candidly discussed the challenges of filming action scenes in his 70s, noting the toll age has taken on his body. He humorously shared that while stunts were easier in his younger years, he continues to rehearse rigorously and adapt his approach to ensure safety without compromising performance.
Dedication Beyond Acting
Outside his Hollywood pursuits, Schwarzenegger has been an advocate for environmental causes through the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative. Earlier this year, he revealed in his podcast, Arnold’s Pump Club, that he underwent a pacemaker surgery to manage a heart condition, further highlighting his determination to continue working and entertaining fans.
Christmas Cheer on the Horizon
Fans of Schwarzenegger and holiday movies alike can look forward to a magical and adventurous Christmas film in The Man with the Bag. As production progresses, anticipation is building for this festive release, where the beloved action star brings his signature charisma to the role of Santa Claus.