Eddie Murphy’s decades-long career has brought us plenty of films. But would you believe never made a holiday movie? That’s about to change this winter. Murphy will star in the Christmas comedy Candy Cane Lane on Prime Video.
Murphy plays Chris, a man on a mission to win his neighborhood’s annual Christmas home decoration contest. After Chris inadvertently makes a deal with a mischievous elf named Pepper (Jillian Bell) to better his chances of winning, she casts a magic spell that brings the 12 Days of Christmas to life, and wreaks havoc on the whole town. At the risk of ruining the holidays for his family, Chris, his wife Carol (Tracee Ellis Ross), and their three children must race against the clock to break Pepper’s spell, battle deviously magical characters, and save Christmas for everyone.
The screenplay comes from Kelly Younger, who was inspired by his own childhood holiday experiences in California. (“Candy Cane Lane” is a collection of homes in an El Segundo neighborhood that go all-out decorating for Christmas. It’s considered a local holiday attraction, with people from other parts of town traveling to see the outdoor lights and decorations each year.)
“I can’t wait for the world to see Candy Cane Lane. I’ve wanted to make a Christmas movie my whole life, but I wanted to do something fresh and surprising,” said director Reginald Hudlin. “Eddie Murphy and this hilarious cast really bring the funny, it’s super Christmas-y, and it will hit you right in the feels.”
In addition to Murphy, the film also stars Tracee Ellis Ross, Jillian Bell, Thaddeus J. Mixson, Ken Marino, Nick Offerman, Robin Thede, Chris Redd, Genneya Walton, Madison Thomas, D.C. Young Fly, Riki Lindhome, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, Lombardo Boyar, Danielle Pinnock, and Timothy Simons.
Candy Cane Lane reunites Murphy, Hudlin, and producer Brian Grazer for the first time since 1992’s Boomerang. Karen Lunder and Charisse Hewitt-Webster also produce, with Doug Merrifield executive producing.
Candy Cane Lane will premiere worldwide on Prime Video December 1. Until then, check back to THS for more updates.
