Arnold Schwarzenegger’s dramatic new look sparks concern, but there’s a festive reason behind it

Arnold Schwarzenegger caused a stir during a recent sighting in New York City, where the 77-year-old actor was seen sporting a dramatic new look that left some fans concerned about his health. The Terminator star, wearing a festive sweater and sporting a bushy grey beard and longer-than-usual grey hair, was spotted walking slowly with his bodyguards.

Social media erupted after photos and videos of Schwarzenegger circulated online, with some commenting that he appeared to have aged significantly. 

However, fans were quick to point out the real reason behind Schwarzenegger’s transformation: his role in the upcoming holiday movie The Man with the Bag. Directed by Adam Shankman, the film sees Schwarzenegger playing a reimagined Santa Claus on a mission to retrieve his stolen magic bag. Co-starring Alan Ritchson (Reacher), the movie marks Schwarzenegger’s return to the big screen since 2019’s Terminator: Dark Fate.

The movie also serves as Schwarzenegger’s first holiday film since his 1996 classic Jingle All the Way. Schwarzenegger expressed his excitement on Instagram, sharing a photo with Ritchson and calling Shankman “one of the funniest directors I’ve worked with.”

Filming for The Man with the Bag continues in New York City, and Schwarzenegger assured fans, “I can’t wait to share all of this Christmas cheer with each and every one of you.”

The holiday adventure is set to release in late 2025, bringing festive joy to audiences worldwide.