Arnold Schwarzenegger Stars in New Holiday Action Comedy "The Man with the Bag"

Published May 11, 2026, 8:40 PM EDT, this piece introduces Hannah Gearan—a dedicated film critic whose passion began at age eleven with a notebook and has flourished through her education at Wesleyan University. Her career highlights include directing the acclaimed short film Toxic Faucets, which has been showcased at prominent festivals such as the Independent Film Festival of Boston. As a Movie News writer, Gearan leverages her extensive background in film analysis to deliver compelling stories to readers.

Summary: The article reveals key details about Arnold Schwarzenegger’s forthcoming holiday action film The Man with the Bag, set for release on December 2 via Prime Video. Directed by Adam Shankman and penned by Allan Rice, the story follows Santa (Schwarzenegger) as he teams up with ex-thief Vance (Alan Ritchson) to recover his stolen magic bag. The cast also features Awkwafina, Kyle Mooney, and others, blending action and comedy for a festive audience.

The film cleverly incorporates the "naughty list" concept into its narrative, positioning Santa to seek help from a notorious heist expert. With Schwarzenegger’s iconic status—spanning roles from Terminator to The Expendables—his portrayal of Santa adds humor and gravitas, supported by a talented ensemble including former SNL cast members. This strategic blend of star power and timely release aligns perfectly with holiday viewing trends, avoiding direct competition with Christmas day releases.

Subscribers to Prime Video’s newsletter gain exclusive insights into casting decisions, production updates, and streaming strategies, ensuring they stay informed about major announcements like this one. The film’s poster and promotional imagery further build anticipation, highlighting Schwarzenegger’s enduring appeal and the movie’s festive charm.