Austrian actor, former champion bodybuilder and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signs autographs after arriving at Sofia airport October 9, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

LOS ANGELES - Muscleman-turned movie star-turned California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is returning to the movies.

He's on the New Mexico set of "The Last Stand," playing the starring role as a small town border sheriff.

The actor posted a message on his Twitter account late Monday saying, "Fantastic first day on the set of The Last Stand. Big thanks to the crew - keep up the great work."

The Lionsgate studio says Schwarzenegger plays a former Los Angeles police officer who ends up sheriff of a small border town after a botched operation.

The movie is a modern day Western about convicts making their way to the Mexico border through New Mexico after escaping from a Las Vegas prison.

"The Last Stand" is being directed by Kim Jee-Woon.