Candy Cane Lane: Eddie Murphy and Tracee Ellis Ross reveal ‘key ingredient’ for a timeless Christmas classic

Eddie Murphy and Tracee Ellis Ross bring the Christmas cheer to life in their latest film, Candy Cane Lane. This film marks the first time for both actors who have ventured into the holiday movie genre. "We're both new to the Christmas genre," Ross said in a recent interview with Murphy.

Candy Cane Lane follows a man on a mission to win his neighbourhood’s Christmas decoration contest. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he inadvertently makes a deal with a mischievous elf who brings the 12 days of Christmas to life, wreaking havoc on the town. Eddie Murphy credits the script for luring him into his first Christmas film. "It was a fantastic script," he explained. "Unique. And I thought, 'Hey, this is something I haven't done before.' Like you said, I hadn't done any Christmas movies, so it all just fit. Everything clicked into place."

"There's a redemption element to Candy Cane Lane that I think makes it special," Ross said of the film's charm. "And also, how many Christmas movies have a rogue elf? I think that's a key ingredient for a timeless Christmas classic. A rogue elf and a Black Santa, to be precise."

The movie was inspired by screenwriter Kelly Younger's childhood memories on Candy Cane Lane in El Segundo, California. Reminiscing about her own holiday experiences, Ross joked, "I had a lot of trouble with rogue elves growing up." Murphy laughingly added, "Not me, I grew up on Linden Street in Brooklyn. A stone's throw from Gates Avenue. No rogue elves, but there were rogues."

Directed by Reginald Hudlin and written by Younger, Candy Cane Lane is now streaming exclusively on Prime Video. Produced by Brian Grazer, the Christmas comedy stars Eddie Murphy and Tracee Ellis Ross, alongside Karen Lunder and Charisse Hewitt-Webster in key roles.

Also Read: Ahead of Candy Cane Lane release, Eddie Murphy speaks about “Christmas spirit”; calls it “best time to reconnect with family, friends”