Arnold Schwarzenegger Stars as Santa in Prime Video's December Holiday Heist

Arnold Schwarzenegger is returning to Christmas cinema after 30 years with a new role: Santa Claus. The 79-year-old actor sports a long, wavy gray beard and white hair in the teaser for *The Man with the Bag*, released by Prime Video on September 30. The film premieres globally on the streaming service on December 2, 2026.

In the holiday heist comedy, Schwarzenegger's Santa must recover his iconic red bag after it is stolen by a rogue elf, played by Awkwafina. To retrieve it before Christmas Eve, Santa recruits a thief from his "Naughty List," portrayed by Alan Ritchson, who assembles a crew of misfits—including elves and reindeer—to execute an unexpected heist. The ensemble cast also includes Jane Krakowski, Ken Jeong, Liza Koshy, Kyle Mooney, Michael Cyril Creighton, and Berkeley James.

Directed by Adam Shankman (*Hairspray*, *A Walk to Remember*) and written by Allan Rice (*Stuck in the Middle*), the film is described as a story about second chances, unlikely friendships, and the idea that even Santa needs help. In the teaser, Schwarzenegger repeats his signature line: "I'm back!" The project marks his first film role in seven years, following *Terminator: Dark Fate* in 2019. It also represents a return to Christmas comedy for the actor, who previously starred in *Jingle All the Way* in 1996.