Arnold Schwarzenegger is getting back in the spirit of Christmas for his latest film. The "Terminator" star has transformed himself completely to become Santa Claus for his latest movie, "The Man with the Bag." Clad in a bright red coat with white hair and matching beard, Schwarzenegger was seen filming scenes for the festive comedy around the busy streets of New York City.
Fan videos of the set captured Arnold as he exited his trailer, wearing a cozy white sweater and humorously telling onlookers, "I have to go back to bed" before hopping inside a black SUV accompanied by security. It’s clear this holiday season is set to bring joy as Schwarzenegger takes on this new role.
According to Entertainment Weekly, the film, produced by Amazon MGM studios, features Schwarzenegger as Santa Claus, who, after his magical bag goes missing, must enlist the help of Alan Ritchson, who plays the character of the thief—someone previously on Santa’s naughty list. With the plot revolving around Christmas spirit and adventure, this collaboration between the beloved star and Ritchson, known for his role in "Reacher," is sure to create lots of holiday magic.
Schwarzenegger himself took to Instagram to share his enthusiasm for the shoot, posting a photo alongside Ritchson and expressing his excitement, writing: "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."
This upcoming holiday action-comedy marks Schwarzenegger’s return to feature films after five years of absence, with his last leading role being in 2019’s "Terminator: Dark Fate." He has, of course, kept busy, starring recently in the Netflix series "FUBAR," which he also produced, keeping his comedic chops sharp.
Interestingly, Schwarzenegger is no stranger to holiday-themed films; he starred in the 1996 classic "Jingle All the Way," which captured the humorous yet frantic race of parents during the holiday season as they hunted for the perfect Christmas gift. His character, attempting to secure the highly sought-after Turbo Man action figure for his son, runs head-to-head with both resourceful shoppers and competitive dads, including one played by Sinbad.
With the combination of Arnold Schwarzenegger's charm and action, the anticipation for "The Man with the Bag" continues to grow among fans of the holiday genre. This film is not just about the spirit of giving and the fun of family during the holidays, but also about engaging storytelling, heartfelt moments, and, of course, irrepressible humor.
This return to holiday films suggests Schwarzenegger’s willingness to embrace jovial roles at this stage of his career. His affinity for family-friendly content and nostalgia-driven stories could resonate well with audiences seeking comfort and laughter during the upcoming festive season.
With his jovial remarks from the set and the warm vibe emanated from his posts, Schwarzenegger's portrayal of Santa might very well delight long-time fans and newcomers alike, eager to experience yet another tale of Christmas spirit interwoven with his signature flair. The holiday season is sure to be more festive with the anticipation of Schwarzenegger dropping down chimneys and inadvertently cracking jokes.
Stay tuned for this newest installment featuring the Christmas legend as it promises to carry on the timeless tradition of holiday storytelling with laughs, magic, and perhaps plenty of winter mishaps. "The Man with the Bag" is shaping up to be the cheerful addition to cinema audiences crave during the holidays.