Arnold Schwarzenegger is set to make a heartwarming return to the holiday movie scene with his upcoming film, The Man With The Bag. This project has the potential to redeem the legacy of the much-maligned sequel, which holds a dismal 20% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. While Schwarzenegger is primarily known for his iconic roles in action films like Terminator, he has a history of diversifying his portfolio with comedic roles, most notably in the beloved Christmas film Jingle All the Way, released in 1996. This family-oriented classic revolves around two competitive fathers, portrayed by Schwarzenegger and Sinbad, as they frantically attempt to secure a coveted action figure, Turbo-Man, for their children on Christmas Eve.
Despite its current status as a Christmas favorite, Jingle All the Way was initially met with lukewarm responses and failed to perform well at the box office. This reaction was surprising, given Schwarzenegger’s star power during that era. Nonetheless, critics did acknowledge the strong performances turned in by both Schwarzenegger and Sinbad. Recently, the announcement of The Man With The Bag has excited fans, marking Schwarzenegger’s first feature film in five years and indicating a shift in focus toward family comedy once more. This film has the potential to rectify the disappointment left in the wake of Jingle All The Way 2.
The Man With The Bag: A Return to Christmas
Nearly 30 Years Since His Last Christmas Movie
The upcoming film, The Man With The Bag, marks Schwarzenegger’s return to the genre nearly three decades after Jingle All the Way. Since that iconic release, the actor has been prolific, starring in 22 films, predominantly in action roles. This decision to re-enter the Christmas movie landscape might seem unexpected, yet it reflects an intriguing opportunity for family storytelling, particularly given the logline’s heist theme.
When Santa’s magic bag is stolen, he turns to his naughty list to find Vance, a former thief, to help him get it back. Along with his daughter, Santa, and a group of misfit elves, Vance will have to pull off the greatest heist of his life to save Christmas.
Joining Schwarzenegger is Alan Ritchson, known for his roles in action-packed series such as Reacher and Titans. This suggests that The Man With The Bag may incorporate more action than its comedic premise might suggest. On December 17, 2024, the first images from the film were revealed, confirming that Schwarzenegger will portray Santa Claus. Directed by Adam Shankman, filming is currently underway, targeting a release date well ahead of the holiday season in 2025.
The Lackluster Legacy of Jingle All The Way 2
A Sequel with a Dismal Reputation
While Jingle All The Way has since gained popularity as a holiday staple, many viewers may not be aware of its sequel, Jingle All The Way 2, which premiered in 2014. Produced by WWE Studios and 20th Century Fox, this film notably lacks any involvement from Arnold Schwarzenegger, instead featuring Larry the Cable Guy and Santino Marella in leading roles. Critically, it fails to deliver any substantial connection to the original.
Set against a backdrop of family dynamics, Jingle All The Way 2 follows a truck driver’s competition with his ex-wife’s new husband over their daughter’s affections. Unfortunately, this direct-to-video production, made on a modest $5 million budget, has been labeled one of the worst attempts at a Christmas film, failing to capture the charm and humor of its predecessor. Ultimately, the absence of Schwarzenegger’s involvement has rendered Jingle All The Way 2 a forgettable sequel.
With this context, The Man With The Bag presents itself as the long-awaited follow-up to Schwarzenegger’s Christmas legacy that fans have been hoping for. While a traditional sequel to Jingle All The Way may have been ill-advised, the prospect of seeing Schwarzenegger back in a holiday film is undeniably thrilling. Only time will reveal how The Man With The Bag stacks up against its predecessor.
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