Arnold Schwarzenegger is making a return to the festive season alongside Reacher star Alan Ritchson in Amazon MGM's upcoming holiday action film The Man With the Bag. Directed by Adam Shankman (Hairspray, Rock of Ages), the movie brings together action-comedy and Christmas cheer, featuring Schwarzenegger as a buff Santa Claus and Ritchson as Vance, a former thief turned unlikely hero.
The film, currently in production, promises to be a family-friendly adventure with a heist twist. According to the official synopsis, Santa's magic bag has been stolen, and to save Christmas, he turns to Vance and his team of misfit elves. Together, they embark on a daring mission to retrieve the bag and deliver presents on time.
First Look at The Man With the Bag
The first official image released by Amazon MGM gives fans a festive glimpse of Schwarzenegger in full Santa attire alongside Ritchson. The duo's camaraderie and comedic timing are expected to be a major highlight of the film. This marks Schwarzenegger's return to Christmas films after 1996's Jingle All the Way, a movie that has since become a nostalgic holiday favorite despite its mixed reviews.
For Alan Ritchson, The Man With the Bag kicks off a new chapter with Prime Video. Following his breakout success in Reacher, Ritchson has signed a multi-picture deal with Amazon Studios. In addition to this holiday film, he'll star in the Nicholas Sparks adaptation Counting Miracles and continue his role in Reacher, with Season 3 set to premiere in early 2025.
Why The Man With the Bag Could Be a Holiday Hit
Prime Video is no stranger to creating unique holiday content, as seen with J.K. Simmons' ripped Santa portrayal in Red One. With Arnold Schwarzenegger in the lead and Adam Shankman's direction, The Man With the Bag aims to blend heartwarming holiday themes with adrenaline-pumping action.
The production team includes Lawrence Grey, Ben Everard, Reg Tigerman, Dan Spilo, and Alan Ritchson, while Allan Rice (Stuck in the Middle) handles the screenplay. With such a mix of talent, the film has the potential to resonate with audiences looking for a fun, festive adventure.
While no official release date has been announced, The Man With the Bag is expected to premiere on Prime Video during the 2025 holiday season.
Combining Schwarzenegger's larger-than-life persona with Ritchson's rising stardom, The Man With the Bag could become a staple of holiday movie marathons. Fans of action, comedy, and Christmas-themed stories have plenty to look forward to as the production continues.
My Impressions: As a longtime fan of Arnold Schwarzenegger's work, it's exciting to see him return to a Christmas-themed film after Jingle All the Way. While the 1996 film has its critics, its nostalgic charm continues to resonate. Teaming up with Alan Ritchson, who has proven his chops in Reacher, feels like a brilliant pairing that balances humor, action, and heart. I'm particularly curious to see how the heist element adds a fresh twist to the classic holiday formula. This film has all the ingredients to become a crowd-pleaser during the festive season.
What do you think of Schwarzenegger's return as a holiday action hero? Will The Man With the Bag become a new Christmas classic?
