Santa Claus has a Christmas crisis on his hands in The Man with the Bag, a new festive action comedy starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Alan Ritchson. The film’s official trailer offers a first look at an unconventional Christmas adventure in which saving the holiday season calls for an elaborate heist.

Directed by Adam Shankman, the film centres on the theft of Santa’s iconic red bag by a rogue elf, played by Awkwafina, who has a grudge against him. With Christmas fast approaching, Santa turns to Vance (Ritchson), a thief on his Naughty List, to help recover the missing bag.

Vance assembles a crew of unlikely accomplices, bringing together a group of criminally skilled misfits for a mission that involves Santa, his daughter and a little assistance from the elves and reindeer. What follows is an unusual partnership built around the biggest heist of their lives, with the fate of Christmas hanging in the balance.

A different kind of Christmas caper

The film marks Schwarzenegger’s return to the Christmas genre after 30 years, this time stepping into the role of Santa Claus. His pairing with Ritchson brings together two action-oriented performers in a comedy that trades the usual Christmas rescue narrative for a high-stakes caper.

Shankman, whose previous directing credits include Hairspray and Disenchanted, takes a more action-driven approach to the holiday setting, combining comedy, adventure and familiar festive elements.

The story also touches on second chances and unlikely friendships, as a group of outsiders find themselves working towards a common goal.

The supporting cast includes Berkeley James, Michael Cyril Creighton, Liza Koshy, Kyle Mooney and Jane Krakowski, alongside Ken Jeong and Awkwafina. Written by Allan Rice, The Man with the Bag is produced by Lawrence Grey, Ben Everard, Reg Tigerman, Dan Spilo and Alan Ritchson.

The Man with the Bag premieres globally on Prime Video on 2 December 2026.