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Arnold Schwarzenegger Transforms into Santa Claus in Upcoming Holiday Film
Footage showing Arnold Schwarzenegger clad in a luxurious red suit and sporting a striking white beard has taken fans by surprise, as the iconic action star prepares to portray Santa Claus in his upcoming holiday film. Teaming up with Reacher star Alan Ritchson, Schwarzenegger’s film, titled The Man with the Bag, is set to premiere on Prime Video this December, marking a return to the festive genre after nearly three decades.
Schwarzenegger’s involvement in The Man with the Bag will be only his second foray into Christmas-themed entertainment, following the 1996 comedy Jingle All the Way. This also represents his first major film project since 2019’s Terminator: Dark Fate. Fans expecting to see him in his usual rugged persona may be in for a surprise as he embraces the jolly look of St. Nicholas, complete with the characteristic fluffy beard and large white suit.
The official synopsis for The Man with the Bag reveals a compelling plot: “When Santa’s magic bag is stolen, he turns to his naughty list to find Vance, a former thief, to help him retrieve it. Together with his daughter, Vance, and a band of misfit elves, they must execute the greatest heist of their lives to save Christmas.”
Director and Expectations
With Adam Shankman, known for his work on Rock of Ages and popular TV series like Modern Family and Only Murders in the Building, at the helm, viewers can anticipate a unique spin on a Christmas movie. While the specifics of the film remain under wraps, it is expected to lean more towards action than traditional holiday narratives.
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Alan Ritchson Will Deliver a Perfect Christmas Gift
As action films enjoy continued popularity, the blending of the genre with holiday themes creates intriguing prospects. Fans wonder whether Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of Santa will involve more than just jolly laughter—will he possibly engage in combat against villains? It’s a tantalizing question, and many speculate that the tone may align closer to Dwayne Johnson’s Red One rather than the darker Violent Night starring David Harbour.
The collaboration between Schwarzenegger and Ritchson is noteworthy, merging seasoned action legends with emerging stars, potentially appealing to a broad audience. Both actors are currently making waves in the action television space, which could bode well for the film’s reception when it premieres.
Meanwhile, Schwarzenegger is expected to resume his role on Netflix later this year with the second season of his successful action-comedy series FUBAR, where he portrays Luke Brunner, a CIA operative whose double life brings humor and chaos when he works with his daughter, Emma (Monica Barbaro). On the other hand, Ritchson continues to shine in Season 3 of Reacher, embodying Lee Child’s famed character in an exhilarating new storyline.
About Arnold Schwarzenegger
Birthname: Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger
Birthdate: July 30, 1947
Birthplace: Thal, Styria, Austria
Bio
Born in Thal, Austria, in 1947, Arnold Schwarzenegger rose to fame as a revolutionary figure in bodybuilding, winning multiple titles before transitioning to acting after emigrating to the U.S. in 1968. Achieving vast recognition in Hollywood, he became an action film icon with memorable performances in classics like Conan the Barbarian and The Terminator. His impressive box office success exceeds $3 billion globally.
Serving as California’s 38th governor from 2003 to 2010, Schwarzenegger is also noted for his commitment to public service and philanthropy, including his work with after-school programs and the Special Olympics. Currently, he is back in Hollywood, working on new film projects and finalizing his autobiography, Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story, set for release this fall.
Source
movieweb.com