Prime Video has officially set the premiere date for its upcoming Christmas action-comedy The Man with the Bag, announcing that the film will stream globally on December 2, 2026. The streamer’s promotional post playfully declared “Welcome to the naughty list,” teasing the holiday heist story centered on Santa Claus and an unlikely criminal ally.

Directed by Adam Shankman from a screenplay by Allan Rice, the film stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as Santa Claus and Alan Ritchson as Vince (also referred to as Vance in some materials), a thief drawn from Santa’s naughty list. When a rogue elf, played by Awkwafina, steals Santa’s magical red bag of presents, Christmas itself is put at risk. With little time remaining before the big night, Santa turns to the skilled but reluctant criminal to assemble a crew of misfits and recover the bag.

The supporting cast includes Liza Koshy, Kyle Mooney, Ken Jeong, Jane Krakowski, Adrian Martinez, Michael Cyril Creighton and others. Ritchson also serves as a producer on the project alongside Lawrence Grey, Ben Everard, Reg Tigerman and Dan Spilo. The production comes from Grey Matter Productions and is distributed by Amazon MGM Studios via Prime Video.

About the Movie

The story blends holiday magic with action and comedy, focusing on themes of second chances, unlikely partnerships and the idea that even Santa may need help delivering Christmas. Early descriptions position it as a family-friendly adventure with a PG rating, featuring heist elements, elves, reindeer and the expected seasonal heart.

Schwarzenegger’s casting marks a return to Christmas fare three decades after his 1996 comedy Jingle All the Way. This time he steps fully into the role of St. Nick rather than a desperate parent searching for a popular toy.

Pairing him with Ritchson, best known for the Amazon series Reacher, creates an intriguing on-screen dynamic between the iconic action star and the modern tough-guy leading man.

Filming took place primarily in New York City, including locations in Manhattan. The project was first announced in 2023 with Ritchson attached, followed by Schwarzenegger’s casting confirmation in 2024. Additional cast members were revealed in early 2025 as production progressed.

Prime Video’s November 2 promotional push, including the “naughty list” messaging and accompanying imagery, signals the start of the film’s marketing campaign ahead of the December release. Trailers have begun circulating, offering glimpses of Schwarzenegger in full Santa attire alongside Ritchson’s character navigating both criminal and festive challenges.

The timing places The Man with the Bag squarely in the holiday streaming window, when audiences traditionally seek seasonal movies. Amazon has built a strong catalog of Christmas titles in recent years, and this original production continues that strategy with high-profile talent and a premise designed to appeal to both action fans and family viewers.

Industry Observation

Industry observers note the film’s potential to stand out through its mix of genres. While pure holiday romances and feel-good stories dominate many streaming schedules, an action-comedy heist centered on Santa offers a different tone. The involvement of Shankman, known for energetic musicals and comedies such as Hairspray, suggests a lively visual style and broad humor.

As the December 2 premiere approaches, further marketing materials, including additional trailers and cast interviews, are expected. Viewers will be able to stream the film exclusively on Prime Video. Early interest has already appeared in online discussions, with many highlighting the novelty of Schwarzenegger as Santa and the pairing with Ritchson.

The Man with the Bag arrives at a moment when original holiday content remains a key driver for streaming platforms. By combining a familiar Christmas icon with contemporary action-comedy sensibilities and a recognizable ensemble cast, Amazon aims to deliver a festive title capable of drawing both seasonal and year-round audiences.