Candy Cane Lane Director Talks Creating New Christmas Classic, Static Shock Movie

In an exclusive interview, Reggie Hudlin, Candy Cane director, talks festive fun.

Get ready to deck the halls and roll with laughter as Eddie Murphy stars in the most Christmasy Christmas movie ever – “Candy Cane Lane.” This holiday comedy adventure brings together the comedic genius of Murphy and the charm of Tracee Ellis Ross in a delightful festive package with Reginald Hudlin directing. Watch the movie here and check out our interview with Hudlin below.


Sean: Reggie, it’s a real pleasure to talk to you today. I’ve been a big fan ever since House Party, and from movies to television, you’ve done it all, especially diving into the world of comics with Black Panther and Milestone Comics. Thank you for all of that.

Reggie: No, thank you, man. I appreciate your support.

Sean: You have made me nerdy throughout my life with everything you’ve given us.

Reggie: I love it. It’s our time. It’s our era.

Sean: We’re here to talk about your new Prime Video Movie, Candy Cane Lane, starring Eddie Murphy. And it’s the most Christmassy Christmas movie I’ve ever seen.

Reggie: Well, that’s the thing. There’s a lot of Christmas movies, and there’s a lot of new ones every year. So I said, how do we stand out? How do we make ourselves distinctive? People go, whoa, now that’s a Christmas movie. That was the goal. Exactly.

Sean: I got to ask real quick. Do you have your Christmas tree up already?

Reggie: Not already. I usually get it mid-month, like the 15th or 16th. You know, we make a run out, get a tree. And then, you know, decorating is really the high point. It’s tricking out the tree.

Sean: I expect you to take everything you had on set and just bring it home.

Reggie: I took as much as I could, which was a lot. But yeah, it was so much fun letting the art department just go crazy. Every crazy idea I’ve ever had for Christmas came to life. I was like, yes. This is the Christmas I want. I love it.


Behind the Scenes: Reuniting with Eddie Murphy

Sean: What was it like to reunite with Eddie Murphy, and why did it take so long?

Reggie: I don’t know why it took so long. It shouldn’t have. But we finally found the right script, the right project. It was a no-brainer. We both love Christmas. We’re both real family guys. So this was just easy and just fun every day.

Sean: Any funny behind-the-scenes stories you can share?

Reggie: Well, you know, there are a lot of different comedy styles all in the same room at the same time. Eddie and Tracy had instant chemistry. They just really got along. But then we brought in the village people, and I didn’t know how that would work. They’re all super funny. But I didn’t know how well they would totally blend together and have so much fun. And I was like, oh, and they wouldn’t stop. It literally day and night. Didn’t matter how they take it. They were always coming with new jokes, new ideas. It was this ocean of great concepts to choose from.

Sean: The cast is fantastic, especially Tracy Ellis Ross alongside Eddie Murphy. How much laughing was between the takes?

Reggie: They don’t stop laughing. Next time you watch the movie, check the end. We have a little outtake section in the credits. There’s this great bit where Eddie and Tracy go way off script. I’m not stopping them. I just want to see where it goes. And they’re having so much fun. I said, I gotta share this with the audience because they just need to know how much fun we had every day.


Creating Movie Magic: Special Effects and Sequel Hopes

Sean: Reggie, what’s the real secret of bringing all the magical elements to life?

Reggie: You have ILM on your side. If they can do Star Wars and Jurassic Park, they can bring Christmas ornaments to life. Working with them was a joy. Whatever crazy idea I gave them, they would plus it up even crazier. We had a great creative partnership.

Sean: When can we expect a sequel to Candy Cane Lane?

Reggie: We have to see if the public loves it as much as we do. If everybody loves it, then we’ve got many more outrageous ideas, believe me.

Sean: Candy Cane Lane is already at the top of my list of favorite Christmas films. It’s a new classic for me. Thank you for such a great film.

Reggie: Oh, thank you, Sean. I appreciate that, man.


Looking to the Future: Milestone Comics and Static Shock

Sean: Lastly, as part of Milestone, any tidbits on when we can see Static Shock on the big screen?

Reggie: That’s a high agenda item for me. I’m focused on making that happen.

Sean: I love to hear that. That’s definitely the next time we’re going to talk about Static Shock.

Reggie: I love it.

Sean: Thank you, Reggie. Thanks again for your time, and till next time.

Reggie: Absolutely. Take care. Thank you.

“Candy Cane Lane” is a fantastic addition to the holiday movie lineup. With Eddie Murphy’s comedic brilliance, Tracy Ellis Ross’s charm, and a magical storyline, the film promises a festive season filled with laughter and heartwarming moments. Don’t miss the chance to experience the magic on Prime Video today! Read more News on Nerdtropolis and make sure to subscribe to our Channel.


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Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.

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