Arnold Schwarzenegger is returning to Christmas movies, but this time he isn’t searching for a toy. He’s playing Santa Claus himself.
The Man with the Bag, a new Christmas action-comedy from Amazon MGM Studios, premieres on Prime Video on December 2, 2026. Schwarzenegger joins Reacher star Alan Ritchson for a holiday adventure built around an unusual problem: someone has stolen Santa’s magic bag.
What Is The Man with the Bag About?
Christmas Eve is approaching, and Santa has a serious problem. A disgruntled elf, played by Awkwafina, has taken his famous red bag, putting the year’s deliveries in jeopardy.
Rather than relying solely on his workshop elves, Santa turns to an unexpected person for help: Vance, a skilled thief played by Alan Ritchson, whose name is already on the Naughty List. Vance gathers a team of misfits with the talents needed to steal the bag back. With help from Santa, elves, and reindeer, the group sets out on a Christmas heist.
The premise combines the familiar magic of Santa Claus with the fast-paced antics of a caper movie. Beneath the action and comedy are themes of friendship, family, and second chances.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Returns to Christmas Movies
For many moviegoers, Schwarzenegger’s best-known Christmas appearance is the 1996 comedy Jingle All the Way, in which he played a father desperately searching for a Turbo-Man action figure. Thirty years later, The Man with the Bag puts him on the other side of the Christmas wish list.
His Santa is paired with Ritchson, best known for portraying Jack Reacher. It’s an entertaining contrast on paper: a larger-than-life Santa Claus enlisting a professional thief to help rescue Christmas.
Who Is in the Cast?
Along with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Alan Ritchson, and Awkwafina, the ensemble includes Jane Krakowski, Ken Jeong, Liza Koshy, Kyle Mooney, Michael Cyril Creighton, and Berkeley James.
The film is directed by Adam Shankman, whose credits include Hairspray, from a screenplay by Allan Rice.
Watch the Trailer
Prime Video released a new official trailer on November 2, 2026, showing Santa recruiting Vance for his extraordinary assignment. You can watch the official trailer on Amazon’s website.
When and Where Can You Watch The Man with the Bag?
Release date: Wednesday, December 2, 2026.
Where to watch: Prime Video.
Rating: PG.
Genre: Christmas, action, comedy, and family adventure.
Amazon has announced a worldwide Prime Video premiere. The movie is planned for streaming through Prime Video rather than a separately announced theatrical release.
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A Different Kind of Christmas Adventure
Christmas movie traditions leave room for everything from quiet, sentimental stories to big comedies. The Man with the Bag seems aimed at viewers who enjoy their holiday entertainment with some action, familiar stars, and a little mischief.
Whether it becomes a seasonal favorite remains to be seen, but the idea of Arnold Schwarzenegger playing Santa Claus alongside Alan Ritchson makes this one of the more unusual new holiday movies arriving in December.
The Man with the Bag premieres December 2, 2026, on Prime Video.
