Will Ferrell once again delighted fans by stepping into his beloved Buddy the Elf costume at a hockey game in Los Angeles, spreading holiday cheer at the Crypto.com Arena on December 29.
Ferrell, accompanied by his wife Viveca Paulin and their youngest son Axel, sat in the stands, drawing smiles and cheers from those around them. The crowd’s reaction on social media was immediate, with one user humorously noting how Ferrell was ‘still spreading Christmas cheer by singing loud for all to hear, even at a hockey game!’ Despite this lighthearted return to the character, a sequel to the much-loved movie Elf remains unlikely.
The talk of a potential sequel has lingered for years, with Ferrell himself admitting that while making Elf was an enjoyable experience, he was never fully convinced of its success during production. ‘I was sitting in my tights in my dressing room,’ Ferrell recalled, ‘staring at myself in the mirror, going, “What did I do? This better work or I’m done.”‘ This sentiment was echoed by his co-star James Caan, who admitted, ‘I don’t get you. You’re not funny,’ highlighting the playful tension between the actors on set.
Behind the scenes, Elf had an intriguing journey before becoming a family favorite. Initially, Jim Carrey was considered for the role of Buddy, but delays in production ultimately led to Ferrell bringing the character to life. The transformation of the script from a darker tale into a family-friendly feature was a crucial turning point, with director Jon Favreau noting the importance of maintaining a timeless feel by using minimal CGI effects.
The distinctive Buddy costume was inspired by the 1964 film Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, playing a significant part in the character’s charm. Costume designer Laura Jean Shannon commented on the challenge of creating a look that balanced absurdity with adorableness—no small task given Ferrell’s towering presence. The vivid outfit and Ferrell’s performance even caused minor traffic incidents during filming in New York City, as drivers were distracted by the sight of Buddy walking along the street.
Another memorable aspect of Buddy’s character was his quirky all-sugar diet, which Ferrell committed to during filming, creating humorous and relatable moments that resonated with audiences. The film also gained renown for its blend of scripted and improvised lines, such as Buddy’s memorable confrontations with a department store Santa. The film’s success led to a Broadway adaptation, continuing the legacy of Buddy’s adventures beyond the silver screen.
Despite offers of a substantial paycheck for a sequel, Ferrell declined, explaining that he wanted to avoid being accused of making a sequel purely for financial gain. This decision was supported by reports of tension between Ferrell and Favreau during the film’s production. Nevertheless, the enduring popularity of Elf and its transformation into a stage musical in 2010 has kept the story alive for audiences worldwide.
Will Ferrell’s spontaneous reappearance as Buddy the Elf at a hockey game was a delightful nod to fans and a reminder of the enduring charm of the character. His decision to bring Buddy to life outside the traditional holiday setting speaks to his ability to capture the whimsical essence of the character, ensuring that Buddy’s spirit continues to enchant audiences even two decades after the film’s release.
Source: Eonline
