Arnold Schwarzenegger Teams With Reacher Star Alan Ritchson And We Can’t Wait

Arnold Schwarzenegger, renowned for his action roles in the past — notably Terminator, Predator, and Commando, to name a few — has a knack for blending an intimidating, muscle-bound image with a subtle comedic timing that is often overlooked. Despite beginning his career as a bodybuilder and starring in iconic roles such as Conan the Barbarian, Schwarzenegger has managed to avoid being pigeonholed.

His ventures into the world of comedy have been memorable; films like Kindergarten Cop and Twins have showcased his ability to transform from the hulking action star we’re accustomed to into a source of laughter. Arnold Schwarzenegger is also no stranger to Christmas comedies in particular. Who could forget his turn in Jingle All the Way alongside Sinbad?

Complementing Arnold Schwarzenegger is Alan Ritchison, currently best known for playing the hero of Amazon’s Reacher.  Alan Ritchison is also well known for his heroic roles on the big and small screen, including Smallville, Titans, Fast X, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

Despite his action pedigree, Ritchison, like Arnold Schwarzenegger, has a history in comedy. He first displayed his comedy chops in his portrayal of Thad Castle in the popular Spike TV television series, Blue Mountain State. Ritchson’s comedic timing and athletic appeal have brought him widespread recognition. His experience in comedy, particularly his hilarious role in The Wedding Ringer, has proven his adroit capacity to evoke laughter on the big screen.

As of now, the anticipation for The Man with the Bag could not be higher, as the expert combination of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Alan Ritchison is a surefire recipe for a comedy hit. The movie, as can be seen in the choice of its two stars, veers away from the typical holiday rom coms which are omnipresent on all streaming platforms.

Centering on Santa Claus and a reformed thief named Vance partnering up to retrieve Santa’s stolen magic bag, the movie promises a bit of action combined with its humor. Adding to this mix are Vance’s daughter and a team of misfit elves, all contributing to the high-stakes adventure to save Christmas.

Adam Shankman is directing the film with a screenplay written by Allan Rice. It appears to be in good hands with Shankman having directed Bringing Down the House, Hairspray, The Pacifier, and Disenchanted. Similarly, Rice is a comedy vet having written Stuck in the Middle and Call Your Mother. The Arnold Schwarzenegger-Alan Ritchison vehicle is being created under the watchful eyes of producers Lawrence Grey, Ben Everard, Reg Tigerman, and Dan Spilo.

Alan Ritchison and Arnold Schwarzenegger are following in the footsteps of Eddie Murphy as big-named stars taking on Christmas movies made for Amazon Prime. Murphy’s Candy Can Lane premiered last year, and The Man with a Bag further signals Amazon’s commitment to producing unique Christmas content.