He said he’d be back… this time as Santa!
A new teaser trailer and poster have arrived for THE MAN WITH THE BAG, an action-comedy that puts Arnold Schwarzenegger in one of his most unexpected roles yet: Santa Claus.
The holiday adventure also stars Alan Ritchson, Awkwafina, Ken Jeong, Jane Krakowski, Kyle Mooney, Liza Koshy, and Michael Cyril Creighton.
Santa Needs a Thief
Christmas is in serious trouble after Santa’s legendary red bag is stolen by a rogue elf, played by Awkwafina.
With the holiday fast approaching, Santa turns to someone who already knows how to steal: Vance, played by Alan Ritchson, a professional thief whose name appears on Santa’s Naughty List.
Vance puts together an unusual crew of talented misfits, with help from Santa’s magical world, and takes on a job unlike anything he’s attempted before. Getting the bag back becomes a race against time, with the fate of Christmas resting on a group of people who probably aren’t the first choice for a holiday rescue mission.
The Man with the Bag
- Director: Adam Shankman
- Starring: Alan Ritchson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Awkwafina, Michael Cyril Creighton, Liza Koshy, Kyle Mooney, Ken Jeong, Jesmille Darbouze
- Genre: Comedy, Family
Arnold Schwarzenegger Plays Santa
THE MAN WITH THE BAG marks Arnold Schwarzenegger’s return to the Christmas movie genre after 30 years, this time taking on the role of Santa Claus himself.
The film pairs Schwarzenegger with Alan Ritchson, combining action and comedy with a holiday story built around an unusual group of characters.
The Cast
The film stars Arnold Schwarzenegger, Alan Ritchson, Berkeley James, Michael Cyril Creighton, Liza Koshy, Kyle Mooney, and Jane Krakowski, with Ken Jeong and Awkwafina.
Adam Shankman Directs
THE MAN WITH THE BAG is directed by Adam Shankman from a screenplay by Allan Rice.
The film is produced by Lawrence Grey, Ben Everard, Reg Tigerman, Dan Spilo, and Alan Ritchson.
Release Details
Title: THE MAN WITH THE BAG
Premiere Date: December 2, 2026
Streaming: Prime Video
Director: Adam Shankman
Writer: Allan Rice
Producers: Lawrence Grey, Ben Everard, Reg Tigerman, Dan Spilo, Alan Ritchson
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Alan Ritchson, Berkeley James, Michael Cyril Creighton, Liza Koshy, Kyle Mooney, Jane Krakowski, Ken Jeong, Awkwafina
Rating: PG
Runtime: 111 minutes
THE MAN WITH THE BAG puts a holiday spin on the classic heist movie, replacing the usual criminals with a team recruited to help Santa save Christmas.
With Arnold Schwarzenegger stepping into the red suit and Alan Ritchson leading Santa’s unlikely crew, the film mixes action, comedy, and Christmas magic for a very different kind of holiday adventure.
THE MAN WITH THE BAG premieres globally on Prime Video December 2, 2026.
