Schwarzenegger Stars as Santa in Heist Film
Amazon MGM Studios has released the first trailer for the holiday action-comedy The Man With the Bag.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Action/Adventure
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Amazon MGM Studios unveiled the first trailer for The Man With the Bag, in which Arnold Schwarzenegger plays Santa Claus after his red bag is stolen by a rogue elf. The film arrives globally on Prime Video on December 2, 2026.
Why it matters
The film marks Schwarzenegger's first Christmas movie in three decades and places a holiday premise within the heist-action genre. Its worldwide streaming release gives international audiences direct access on Prime Video.
The film is rated PG and runs 111 minutes, with Schwarzenegger's return to a Christmas movie following a 30-year gap. Commercial performance and audience reception have not yet been reported.
The players
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Austrian-American actor and former California governor best known for action films such as The Terminator and Predator, who plays Santa Claus in this film.
Alan Ritchson
American actor known for his physically demanding action roles, who plays the professional thief leading the heist.
Amazon MGM Studios
Film studio division of Amazon that produces and distributes content, including titles streamed on Prime Video.
The details
Santa recruits a thief from his 'Naughty List' who assembles a crew of criminally skilled misfits, aided by elves and reindeer, to recover the stolen bag before Christmas is lost. Adam Shankman directs from a screenplay by Allan Rice.
Timeline
November 2, 2026: Amazon MGM Studios unveils the first trailer.
December 2, 2026: The Man With the Bag releases globally on Prime Video.
Industry Dynamics
The project reflects the continued use of established action stars in holiday-themed genre films distributed through streaming platforms. Its placement on Prime Video follows the broader streaming industry strategy of releasing original films globally on the same day.
Viewers worldwide can stream The Man With the Bag on Prime Video starting December 2, 2026. The film is available through the platform rather than in theaters, according to the release information provided.
The takeaway
Schwarzenegger's return to a Christmas role shows how established action stars are being repositioned for seasonal streaming releases. Readers planning holiday viewing can note the December 2 global availability on Prime Video.
Further reading
Explore more Action/Adventure films to see how this heist story fits within the genre.
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