featuring @primevideo
Christmas is about to get a whole lot more action-packed, with Arnold Schwarzenegger stepping into the iconic role of Santa Claus in the upcoming holiday comedy The Man with the Bag. Prime Video has unveiled the first official teaser trailer for the festive adventure, which sees Schwarzenegger team up with Reacher star Alan Ritchson for an unconventional mission to save Christmas.
Directed by Adam Shankman (Hairspray, Disenchanted) and written by Allan Rice, The Man with the Bag combines holiday magic, action and comedy in a story that puts a criminal twist on the traditional Christmas tale. The film is scheduled to premiere exclusively on Prime Video on December 2, 2026.
The newly released teaser introduces Schwarzenegger as Santa Claus, who finds himself facing an unexpected crisis when his iconic red bag of presents is stolen by a disgruntled elf, played by Awkwafina. With Christmas fast approaching, Santa must find a way to recover the stolen bag before the most important night of the year is ruined.
Rather than relying on his usual team of elves, Santa turns to an unlikely ally: Vance, a former thief portrayed by Ritchson, who has landed himself on Santa’s Naughty List. Recruited to retrieve the magical bag, Vance is tasked with assembling a team of criminally skilled misfits to pull off an extraordinary heist.
With the help of Santa’s elves and reindeer, the unlikely group must work together to recover the stolen presents and ensure Christmas goes ahead as planned. The mission promises plenty of unexpected complications, festive chaos and action-packed moments.
The teaser offers audiences an early glimpse of Schwarzenegger embracing his new role as Santa, bringing his familiar larger-than-life personality to the beloved Christmas character. In a particularly memorable moment, he delivers the line “I’m back!”, a playful reference to his famous Terminator catchphrase that should delight longtime fans.
The film also marks Schwarzenegger’s return to the Christmas movie genre nearly 30 years after starring in the 1996 holiday comedy Jingle All the Way. This time, however, instead of desperately searching for a popular toy, he finds himself leading a mission involving thieves, mischievous elves and a stolen sack of Christmas presents.
Joining Schwarzenegger and Ritchson is an impressive ensemble cast featuring Awkwafina, Liza Koshy, Kyle Mooney, Jane Krakowski, Ken Jeong, Berkeley James and Michael Cyril Creighton.
For Ritchson, the film provides another opportunity to showcase his comedic side following his success as the action-packed Jack Reacher in Prime Video’s hit series Reacher. His character’s transformation from a former criminal into Santa’s unlikely saviour promises to bring an entertaining dynamic to the festive adventure.
Behind the camera, Shankman brings considerable experience in comedy and musical filmmaking, having previously directed Hairspray and Disenchanted. His involvement suggests that The Man with the Bag will balance its action and heist elements with the humour and heart traditionally associated with Christmas movies.
According to the film’s official synopsis, the story explores themes of second chances, unlikely friendships and the importance of working together. Even Santa Claus, it seems, occasionally needs a little assistance delivering Christmas.
With its combination of two recognisable action stars, an eccentric supporting cast and a festive heist storyline, The Man with the Bag is shaping up to offer a different kind of Christmas entertainment this year.
The Man with the Bag premieres globally on Prime Video on December 2, 2026.
