Clark Griswold, Buddy the Elf, and Ralphie should save a seat at the holiday movie table for Ludacris, as he is bringing a fresh Christmas tale with "Dashing Through the Snow". "It was a great experience making this movie," Ludacris exclusively tells us. "For me, there are a lot of deeper themes at play."
Ludacris, 46, stars in the new Disney+ film as Eddie Garrick, an Atlanta-based social worker struggling with the holiday spirit after a difficult childhood. When Eddie takes his daughter Charlotte to work, they encounter a man named Nick in a red suit. Through a magical adventure, Nick helps Eddie rediscover his love for the holidays. The movie emphasizes the importance of healing and overcoming traumatic experiences, with the message of getting therapy and understanding post-traumatic stress from childhood.
The movie delves into the challenges of striving to be the best version of oneself for the sake of others, while still embodying the timeless appeal of a classic holiday tale.
"When it comes to capturing the spirit of Christmas and solidifying its place as a holiday classic, I believe it hits all the right notes," he remarks. "It has the perfect blend of humor, warmth, and unmistakable Christmas charm. And it offers a unique portrayal of Santa Claus, shedding light on a different, somewhat darker side of the character."
Lil Rel Howery as Nick and Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges as Eddie in ‘Dashing Through the Snow.’ Steve Dietl/Disney
Ludacris describes Dashing Through the Snow as a modern twist on the St. Nick story, noting that Santa is equipped with an iPad, iPhone, and keys. "It's a different approach. It's a whole new take," he adds.
Unafraid to venture into new territory, this was evident as his music career reached its peak in the early 2000s while also taking on the role of Tej Parker in 2 Fast 2 Furious. Over the years, he expanded his acting credits with appearances in various movies including Crash, Hustle & Flow, New Year’s Eve, and John Henry, and returning to the Fast franchise.
Ludacris's artistic flexibility reflects the innovation of his Atlanta counterparts, Andre 3000 and Big Boi, known as the hip-hop duo OutKast. Speaking after Big Boi's induction of Kate Bush into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and just before Andre's release of his experimental jazz-flute album, New Blue Sun, Ludacris discussed how he and his fellow Atlanta artists have expanded their artistic ventures and diversified their portfolios beyond traditional hip-hop.
Ludacris for State Farm. Courtesy of State Farm
“It’s not just about being a rapper anymore, it’s about the music industry as a whole,” he comments. “But at the same time, it’s about expressing yourself in various ways and being open to different channels. I feel like people are starting to embrace that and really catch on, man.”
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"We want to share our hearts with the world, and sometimes our hearts lead us in different directions," he explains. "John Singleton played a key role in transitioning many musicians into the world of film. He invited me to audition for 2 Fast 2 Furious, and the rest is history. I landed the role while on tour with Eminem, and from there, my interest and love for the film industry blossomed."
That love will be seen both in Ludacris’ new State Farm campaign and in his new movie, Dashing Through the Snow, now streaming on Disney+.