Known for his muscular build and rugged roles, the 76-year-old actor appeared nearly unrecognizable in a festive outfit, with one netizen wondering if it was AI-generated.

In the photo, the 76-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.

Standing beside him is actor Alan Ritchson, casually dressed in a neutral-toned coat and black cap, subtly contrasting Schwarzenegger’s striking seasonal look.

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.

The transformation is part of “The Man with the Bag,” directed by Adam Shankman and co-starring Ritchson. In a Facebook post, Schwarzenegger called Shankman “one of the funniest directors” he’s worked with and shared his excitement about bringing holiday cheer to audiences.

Aside from Schwarzenegger sharing a glimpse of the film on Facebook, celebrity photographer Elder Ordonez posted photos and a video of the actor filming in various areas of New York City.

The 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.

The “Terminator” actor also described New York as an “amazing host,” praising its festive atmosphere as the perfect setting for the film.

Additionally, he highlighted the joy of collaborating with Amazon and expressed eagerness to share the Christmas spirit with audiences.

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 Arnold Schwarzenegger take on this heartwarming holiday role.