Arnold Schwarzenegger is having a good time. The actor, bodybuilder, and political figure is starring in "The Man With the Bag", a holiday movie where he plays Santa Claus.
Instead of playing the traditional bearded man with a red and white suit, Schwarzenegger's Santa Claus is cooler and more buff, yet still bearing the distinct look that has been ascribed to the cultural and global figure.
Photos captured by paparazzi showed Schwarzenegger shooting some scenes from the film in New York City. He's seen dressed as a sporty Santa Claus wearing a red jacket, camo pants, a beanie, and a scarf.
Photos captured him laughing and leaving a bar, accompanied by his co-star, Alan Ritchson.
While Schwarzenegger's look could be used for other characters, the costuming makes it clear that he's playing Santa with some key details: the long red jacket, Schwarzenegger's bright white beard, and the festive details embroidered in his beanie and scarf.
Photographers noted that the set was packed with extras dressed as Santa Claus, suggesting that the characters of the film are amid Santa Con, the annual New York event where people dress up as Santa and go bar hopping. It's become one of the city's most popular holiday traditions.
Schwarzenegger's response to the LA fires
While Schwarzenegger is working in New York, he's normally based in Los Angeles, where he has his home and his animals. Following the disastrous wildfires, Schwarzenegger took to X to thank his followers for worrying about him, encouraging them to support the firefighters and first responders managing the issue.
"I really appreciate all of the kind messages and concern. But don’t worry about me, or my animals, and certainly not my house," he said.
"I would rather you focus all of your thoughts on these heroic firefighters and first responders who are fighting an impossible battle around the clock."