Arnold Schwarzenegger is once again the talk of the town, but not for the reasons you might expect. The 77-year-old action star was recently spotted on the set of his new film The Man With The Bag, sporting a drastically aged appearance that left fans both shocked and intrigued.
Decked out as Santa Claus, Schwarzenegger’s transformation is nothing short of remarkable. Photos and videos captured in New York show him with a flowing white beard, long grey hair, and a bulky festive sweater. His gait appeared slower than usual, sparking concern among fans over his health. Social media buzzed with reactions, with some even going so far as to say the actor looks “tired and hurt” over on TikTok.
Despite initial alarm, it’s clear Schwarzenegger’s striking look is part of his role as a beleaguered Santa in the festive comedy. Directed by Adam Shankman, the film follows Santa Claus teaming up with a former thief, played by Alan Ritchson, to recover his stolen magical bag and save Christmas.
The actor’s Instagram post confirmed his excitement for the project. “Santa Claus is coming to town! It is fantastic to be shooting The Man With The Bag with @alanritchson,” he shared, praising Shankman as “one of the funniest directors” he’s worked with.
This marks Schwarzenegger’s first movie since Terminator: Dark Fate in 2019 and his return to holiday films after nearly three decades, his last being 1996’s Jingle All The Way. For fans, it’s a welcome foray into a lighter genre for the star known for his intense action roles.
While some fans were concerned about the signs of age in Schwarzenegger’s movements, others quickly defended him, noting his dedication to still taking on demanding roles. “He’s 77 years old and doing better than most his age,” one wrote.
Set in New York City, The Man With The Bag offers a festive backdrop that Schwarzenegger has embraced. The actor lauded the city as an “amazing host” and expressed his eagerness to spread holiday cheer when the film is released.
As more behind-the-scenes footage circulates, fans eagerly watch Schwarzenegger channel his inner Kris Kringle. With the buzz surrounding his Santa transformation, it seems The Man With The Bag is shaping up to be a unique addition to the actor’s legendary filmography.
Who better than the Terminator to save Christmas?
