Arnold Schwarzenegger is making a festive return to the film industry, this time portraying Santa Claus in the new Amazon MGM Studios film titled “The Man With the Bag.” The actor, renowned for his roles in classics like “Jingle All the Way,” recently announced the commencement of filming on social media, sharing a cheerful photo of himself alongside co-star Alan Ritchson, dressed in full holiday attire.
In a jovial post, Schwarzenegger, who is now 77, expressed his excitement about the project, declaring, “Santa Claus is coming to town.” He praised director Adam Shankman, calling him one of the funniest he’s worked with, and noted the vibrant atmosphere of New York City as an ideal backdrop for their holiday story.
The film’s plot remains largely under wraps, but its premise involves Santa’s magical bag getting stolen. To retrieve it, Santa seeks out Vance, a former criminal, along with his daughter and a band of quirky elves, to orchestrate an unforgettable heist to save Christmas.
Schwarzenegger’s most recent film projects prior to this were in 2019, including “Terminator: Dark Fate.” He has also been visible in the Netflix docuseries “Arnold” and the action comedy “Fubar.” Beyond acting, he has dedicated time to environmental initiatives through the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative.
While discussing his career’s longevity, Schwarzenegger acknowledged the challenges of performing stunts in his 70s, humorously sharing that while the process requires more time for preparation now, his passion remains unchanged. He also shared insights about his health, noting that he recently had a pacemaker inserted and is looking forward to many more “seasons” of his projects.
Overall, “The Man With the Bag” promises to deliver warmth and joy this holiday season, bringing back the beloved Christmas spirit with Arnold Schwarzenegger at the helm as Santa. Fans can look forward to a delightful blend of action and festive cheer—reminding us that age is just a number when it comes to bringing the magic of Christmas to life on screen.