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Christmas is in danger, and Santa Claus is turning to an unlikely ally for help in the newly released trailer for The Man with the Bag. The upcoming holiday action-comedy stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as Kris Kringle and Reacher star Alan Ritchson as a former thief recruited for a mission to recover Santa’s stolen sack of presents.
Set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video on December 2, 2026, the film puts a festive spin on the heist genre, combining Christmas magic, action and comedy in an adventure that could deliver a different kind of holiday entertainment.
The story follows Vance (Ritchson), a skilled thief attempting to navigate life outside his criminal past while reconnecting with his young daughter, Emma, played by Berkeley James. His circumstances take an unexpected turn when he receives an unusual job offer from a mysterious client named Kris.
Vance soon discovers that his new employer is none other than Santa Claus himself. With Christmas fast approaching, Santa needs Vance’s criminal expertise after his magical red bag is stolen by a disgruntled elf, Nadia Nyce, played by Awkwafina.
With the fate of Christmas hanging in the balance, Vance assembles a crew of unconventional criminals to help retrieve the missing bag. Their mission promises an unpredictable combination of daring heists, festive chaos and supernatural surprises, with Santa’s elves and reindeer also getting involved in the operation.
Beyond its Christmas caper, The Man with the Bag also explores themes of second chances, unlikely friendships and family. Santa’s mission may be about saving Christmas, but his partnership with Vance could also help the former thief rediscover what matters most in his own life.
The film brings together an ensemble cast featuring Liza Koshy, Kyle Mooney, Jane Krakowski, Ken Jeong and Michael Cyril Creighton, alongside Schwarzenegger, Ritchson, Awkwafina and James.
Adam Shankman directs the feature from a screenplay by Allan Rice. Shankman previously directed films including Hairspray and Disenchanted, making him a fitting choice for a project that blends broad comedy with a fantastical holiday setting.
For Schwarzenegger, the film marks a return to Christmas comedy nearly three decades after his 1996 holiday hit Jingle All the Way. This time, rather than desperately searching for a must-have toy, the action star is stepping into Santa’s boots and leading an operation to recover the presents that make Christmas possible.
Ritchson, meanwhile, gets another opportunity to showcase his comedic side alongside his established action-star persona. The pairing of the two performers provides a central draw for the film, with their contrasting characters bringing an unconventional dynamic to this festive adventure.
With a stolen magical sack, a crew of criminal misfits and Christmas Eve approaching, The Man with the Bag promises to put a mischievous spin on the traditional holiday movie.
The Man with the Bag premieres globally on Prime Video on December 2, 2026.
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