At 77, Arnold Schwarzenegger is making a triumphant return to the big screen with The Man with the Bag, his first holiday film in nearly 30 years. Directed by Adam Shankman for Amazon MGM Studios, the movie showcases Schwarzenegger as Santa Claus embarking on a thrilling mission to retrieve his stolen magic sack. Combining festive cheer and action, this project marks Schwarzenegger’s much-anticipated comeback to acting.
The Austrian-born actor and former California governor fully becameSanta, complete with a white beard, prosthetics, and a classic holiday outfit. On the Manhattan set, he was seen in a warm sweater with a red pickup truck carrying a Christmas tree and brown corduroy trousers. For another scene, he wore a long red coat, becoming Kris Kringle.
Arnold Schwarzenegger being protected by five bodyguards in NYC this morning pic.twitter.com/ucexBd7nhf
— FearBuck (@FearedBuck) December 17, 2024
The Man with the Bag is the story where Santa Claus has to form a partnership with Vance, his former thieving criminal in the naughty list, for recovering the stolen magic sack. Joining his daughter and other bumbling but charming elves, he comes up with a plot to rescue Christmas. Written by Allan Rice, the screenplay contains action-packed holidays.
This is Schwarzenegger’s first holiday film after Jingle All the Way (1996), which starred him as a dedicated father in search of an out–of-stock toy.
Known for the iconic roles in action franchises, including The Terminator, over the years, Arnold Schwarzenegger has shifted gears in recent years. During a recent promotional tour for his Netflix documentary in 2023, he announced that he would be retiring from the series of TheTerminator and thanked the franchise and left the torch to new talents.
The actor‘s three-part Netflix documentary series delved into his story from bodybuilding champion through Hollywood star and political leader, giving fans a taste of his multi-faceted career.
Arnold Schwarzenegger is a proud father to five children, with four being from his past marriage to ex-wife, Maria Shriver, and another child, Joseph, whose mother he was not married to. He recently toasted to becoming a grandfather for the third time, adding much more depth to his post-screen legacy.
In The Man with the Bag, Arnold Schwarzenegger joins a roster of actors like Tim Allen, Billy Bob Thornton, and Kurt Russell who have suited up as Santa Claus. It’s a Christmas film with all the festive ingredients:anticipation and a much-awaited return after years dedicated to personal and political pursuits.
Fans and critics alike are all keen to see Schwarzenegger bring his inimitable charm and zing to the role of beloved Santa Claus in this action-packed yet heartwarming holiday movie.
