“Everybody knew what my motto was – more is more, especially around Christmas”: Kelly Younger and Reginald Hudlin on Candy Cane Lane

As Christmas slowly creeps upon us, so do the slew of yuletide movies aimed at getting us in the festive mood. Candy Cane Lane, written by screenwriter Kelly Younger, offers a heartwarming dose of that holiday spirit and is packed with charm, wit and action-packed antics caused by one mischievous elf called Pepper (Jillian Bell).–

Directed by Reginald Hudlin and starring Eddie Murphy as a suburban family man called Chris Carver, the story takes viewers to Candy Cane Lane, where the local neighbourhood are preparing to host their annual competition for the best-decorated house. In a bid to win big, Carver signs an accidental pact with Pepper who then casts a spell over him. As the twelve days of Christmas “gifts” suddenly spring to life, chaos, drama and magic take hold of the small town, and it’s imperative that the Carver family find a way to try and save Christmas and put a stop to the naughty elf’s schemes.

The Upcoming had the pleasure of speaking to Kelly Younger about his own childhood that inspired the narrative of this movie, what it was like to have the jovial presence of Murphy on board and the brilliant special effects and set design of the film.

Reginald Hudlin spoke to us about coming on board to work on this film, coming back to work with Murphy once again and both the challenges of such an epic production, as well as the joy at creating and working with such a limitless script and imagination.

Ezelle Alblas

Candy Cane Lane is released on Prime Video on 1^st December 2023.

Watch the trailer for Candy Cane Lane here: