The action legends team up for a hilarious holiday heist adventure arriving on Prime Video December 2.
Arnold Schwarzenegger is back for Christmas, and this time, he is Santa Claus himself! Prime Video has released the official trailer for THE MAN WITH THE BAG, an action-packed holiday comedy starring Schwarzenegger and Alan Ritchson as an unlikely duo attempting to pull off the ultimate Christmas heist. The film premieres globally on December 2, 2026, bringing together holiday magic, explosive action, big laughs, and a heartwarming story about second chances.
Directed by Adam Shankman, the upcoming Christmas adventure puts a fresh spin on the holiday genre as Santa Claus recruits a professional thief to recover his stolen magic bag before Christmas is ruined. With an impressive ensemble cast and two action stars leading the festivities, THE MAN WITH THE BAG looks to deliver a fun mix of high-stakes action, comedy, and Christmas cheer.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Returns to Christmas Movies After 30 Years
Three decades after starring in the beloved 1996 holiday comedy Jingle All the Way, Schwarzenegger is finally returning to the Christmas genre. However, instead of desperately searching for a Turbo Man action figure, the legendary action star is taking on the role of the most recognizable Christmas figure of all time.
Schwarzenegger plays Santa Claus, whose entire Christmas operation is thrown into chaos when a disgruntled rogue elf, played by Awkwafina, steals his iconic red magic bag. With Christmas Eve approaching and millions of children depending on him, Santa must turn to an unexpected source for help.
Enter Vance, played by Alan Ritchson, best known for his starring role in Prime Video’s hit action series Reacher. Vance is a skilled thief whose criminal history has earned him a spot on Santa’s Naughty List. Despite their differences, Santa believes Vance might be the only person capable of recovering the stolen bag.
The pairing of Schwarzenegger and Ritchson creates an entertaining opportunity to bring together two generations of action stars, trading traditional holiday storytelling for an adventure filled with criminals, elves, reindeer, and an ambitious heist.
A Christmas Heist Unlike Any Other
The official trailer offers audiences a look at the unlikely partnership between Santa and Vance as they prepare to save Christmas.
After receiving an unexpected job offer, Vance discovers his mysterious new employer is none other than Santa Claus. Joined by his daughter, Vance becomes involved in a mission that takes him far beyond the ordinary world of professional thieves.
To recover the missing bag, Vance assembles a team of criminally skilled misfits who must combine their unusual talents with Santa’s Christmas magic. Their mission brings together an assortment of characters, extraordinary circumstances, and plenty of holiday surprises as they attempt to complete the greatest heist of their lives.
The trailer also embraces Schwarzenegger’s legendary action-movie personality, including a playful nod to his famous Terminator catchphrase as Santa declares, “I’m back!”
Beyond the action and comedy, THE MAN WITH THE BAG explores themes of redemption, friendship, family, and discovering that even those on the Naughty List deserve another chance.
A Star-Studded Cast Brings Holiday Chaos
Alongside Schwarzenegger and Ritchson, THE MAN WITH THE BAG features an ensemble of familiar faces from film and television.
The cast includes Berkeley James, Michael Cyril Creighton, Liza Koshy, Kyle Mooney, and Jane Krakowski, with Ken Jeong and Awkwafina.
Awkwafina plays the rogue elf responsible for stealing Santa’s magic bag, setting the entire adventure in motion.
Director Adam Shankman brings his experience with comedy, musicals, and family entertainment to the film. His previous directing credits include Hairspray, The Pacifier, and Disenchanted. Written by Allan Rice, the movie combines the structure of a high-stakes heist with the humor, fantasy, and emotional storytelling audiences expect from a Christmas adventure.
When Does THE MAN WITH THE BAG Premiere?
THE MAN WITH THE BAG will premiere exclusively on Prime Video on December 2, 2026, just in time for the holiday season.
Watch the official trailer for THE MAN WITH THE BAG below.
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
