Users Say Arnold Schwarzenegger Looks 'Unrecognizable' with White Beard & Longer Hair as Santa Claus — Photos

Known for his muscular build and rugged roles, the 77-year-old actor appeared nearly unrecognizable in a festive outfit, with one netizen wondering if it was AI-generated.

Arnold Schwarzenegger stunned fans on December 16 after sharing a festive photo on Facebook, showcasing a dramatically different look from his iconic action-hero image.

In the photo, the 77-year-old actor dons a bright red coat with large toggle buttons, layered over a colorful knit sweater and complemented by a long, patterned scarf. He completes the transformation with a white beard and wavy gray hair.

This look was later revealed to be part of his role as Santa Claus in the film "The Man with the Bag." Standing beside him is his co-star Alan Ritchson, casually dressed in a neutral-toned coat and black cap, subtly contrasting Schwarzenegger's striking seasonal appearance.

Facebook users could not help but be in awe of Schwarzenegger's appearance. One user commented, "Is that Alan Richardson! Arnie looks great with longer hair," while another exclaimed, "I didn't recognise you Arnie [sic]!"

"White beard + white hair, this is Conan finally becoming the King in my dreams, for the last chapter of the trilogy! Crom, to hell with you [sic]!" a second remarked, referencing Schwarzenegger's iconic role in "Conan the Barbarian."

Others complimented his new look, suggesting that embracing his natural gray hair suits him well. Another echoed a similar sentiment, "For a moment I couldn't tell it was Arnold until I read who posted this, then I recognized 😃 It was the hairstyle that made him a bit unrecognizable."

More fans praised Schwarzenegger's transformation, with some saying his Austrian roots make him a natural fit for portraying Santa Claus. Others were so surprised by the photo that they initially thought it was AI-generated, underscoring just how unexpected his festive appearance was.

Along with unveiling his festive look for the film, Schwarzenegger revealed that it is directed by Adam Shankman, whom he called "one of the funniest directors" he's worked with.

Adding to the excitement, celebrity photographer Elder Ordonez shared photos and a video of Schwarzenegger filming in various locations across New York City, providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the production.

The "Commando" actor was seen waving and thanking drivers as he crossed the street, adding a touch of real-world warmth to his Santa-inspired look.

Filming that morning caused traffic delays on 5th Avenue, where Schwarzenegger was spotted crossing the street and interacting with the public.

Another moment shows Schwarzenegger looking serious while sharing a scene with Ritchson. The "Terminator" actor also described in his Facebook post that New York is an "amazing host," praising its festive atmosphere as the perfect setting for the film.

He also expressed his excitement about working with Amazon on the project, adding, "I can't wait to share all of this Christmas cheer with each and every one of you."

The unexpected reveal has sparked curiosity and excitement for the film, which promises to show a lighter, festive side of the Hollywood legend. Fans are eager to see Schwarzenegger take on this heartwarming holiday role.

"The Man with the Bag" follows a whimsical, action-packed storyline. When Santa's magical bag is stolen, he enlists Vance, a former thief on his "naughty list," to help retrieve it. The film combines Schwarzenegger's charisma with the holiday spirit for an entertaining adventure.

This marks Schwarzenegger's return to Christmas films after nearly three decades. His last festive movie, "Jingle All the Way (1996)," became a beloved holiday classic.

In the film, he played a father desperately trying to find a Turbo Man action figure for his son on Christmas Eve. The movie featured a strong cast, including Phil Hartman, Sinbad, Rita Wilson, Robert Conrad, and Martin Mull.

Off the screen, Schwarzenegger continues to embrace the holiday spirit with his long-standing tradition of giving back. In December 2023, he shared a video on TikTok of his annual visit to the Hollenbeck Youth Center in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, where he gave out Christmas gifts to families and children.

"There is a reason I have been handing out presents at the @hollenbeckyouthcenter in Boyle Heights for over 30 years. When I first came to America, my friends at Gold's Gym were so generous. They brought me in during Christmas time and made me feel so happy and included," Schwarzenegger wrote in the caption.

Schwarzenegger shared his joy in giving back during the holiday season, highlighting his happiness in seeing children’s excitement as they receive their gifts. He also extended festive wishes to all.

The video captured Schwarzenegger handing out gifts, chatting with families, and posing for photos, further showcasing his commitment to spreading joy during the holiday season.

Speaking about his first Christmas experience in the U.S., Schwarzenegger recalled in the video how he celebrated the season with his gym friends.

"They invited me to their house. Fantastic. They gave me Christmas gifts, they had this beautiful Christmas tree and I felt so included here in America, even though I was a foreigner, I just came to this country," he said.

He continued, "So I will never forget that kind of sweetness and kindness and inclusion, so I wanted to do the same thing when I had the money. So this is why for the last 30-something years I've been coming out here...It makes me feel good that I can share the kindness and inspire other people to do the same thing."

From festive transformations to heartfelt gestures, Arnold Schwarzenegger proves he's not only a cinematic icon but also a source of joy and inspiration during the holiday season.