Forget milk and cookies—this Christmas, Santa is trading his sleigh for a heist crew. Prime Video has officially set a release date for The Man with the Bag, a holiday comedy starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as St. Nick and Alan Ritchson as a reformed thief. The film will drop on December 5, 2026, bringing a decidedly action-packed twist to the season of giving.
The logline sets the stage: When Santa's magic bag is stolen, he turns to his naughty list for help, recruiting Vance (Ritchson), a former criminal, to retrieve it. Alongside Santa's daughter and a band of misfit elves, Vance must pull off the greatest heist of his life to save Christmas. Think Jingle All the Way meets Ocean's Eleven, with a dash of Reacher-style grit.
Schwarzenegger, who famously played a desperate dad in the 1996 holiday classic Jingle All the Way, is fully embracing his Santa persona. A new first-look image shows him in full festive regalia—white beard, red suit, and a twinkle in his eye that suggests he's ready to deliver more than just presents. The film is directed by Adam Shankman (Hairspray, The Wedding Planner), who Schwarzenegger praised on Instagram as "one of the funniest directors I've worked with."
Ritchson, fresh off his breakout role as Jack Reacher in Prime Video's hit series, is no stranger to high-octane action. Fans can catch him in Reacher, which continues to dominate streaming, as well as the sci-fi thriller War Machine on Netflix. His role in The Man with the Bag promises a blend of charm and physicality, as Vance goes from naughty list to North Pole hero.
The supporting cast is stacked with comedic talent. Michael Cyril Creighton (Only Murders in the Building), Liza Koshy (Players), Kyle Mooney (Saturday Night Live), Ken Jeong (The Hangover), Adrian Martinez (The Secret Life of Walter Mitty), Jane Krakowski (30 Rock), and Roger Bart (Hostel: Part II) round out the ensemble. Expect plenty of laughs as these misfits attempt to outwit whoever stole Santa's bag.
Schwarzenegger's return to holiday cinema is a big draw. His previous Christmas outing, Jingle All the Way, has become a cult favorite for its over-the-top depiction of holiday shopping chaos. Now, he's stepping into Santa's boots—literally—and bringing along a former thief to save the day. It's a premise that feels both fresh and nostalgic, perfect for families who like their holiday cheer with a side of action.
With Prime Video backing the project, The Man with the Bag is poised to be a major streaming event. The platform has been investing heavily in holiday originals, and pairing two action icons like Schwarzenegger and Ritchson is a smart bet. Ritchson's recent success with Reacher and his upcoming projects, including the WWII thriller with Henry Cavill, have made him one of the most in-demand stars in Hollywood.
Mark your calendars: The Man with the Bag premieres December 5, 2026, exclusively on Prime Video. It's the perfect holiday treat for anyone who's ever wondered what would happen if the Terminator took over the North Pole.
