Holiday movies likeElfhave become timeless classics in popular culture. It’s been over 20 years since Buddy (Will Ferrell) went on his journey from the North Pole to find his biological father (James Caan). Widely regarded as one of thethe best Christmas romantic comediesof all time, the film’s long-lasting success has caused a debate about why a sequel has never been made about the loveable elf. Reportedly,Will Ferrell turned down a $29 million offer for the film. But whether that was the case or not, there were obstacles hindering the sequel from coming together as well.
What we know about thecanceled sequelis that the story would’ve taken place around 10 years after the first movie. It would have also involved the daughter of Buddy and Jovie (Zoey Deschanel) after the couple moved to the suburbs of New York. Some otherfacts about the canceledElfsequelinclude that Buddy would be a popular author and that Papa Elf would be kidnapped. All this combines into a plot where Buddy saves Christmas and earns his daughter’s love, which he has longed for because, in her eyes, he isn’t “normal.”
Will Ferrell Wasn’t Interested In Doing Elf 2
Will Ferrell has spoken for many years about not wanting to do anElfsequel. He has previously stated that he has no desire to return as Buddy at his age. In a 2013 interview with Andy Cohen (viaWatch What Happens Livewith Andy Cohen), Ferrell said, “I just think it would look slightly pathetic if I tried to squeeze back in the elf tights: Buddy the middle-aged elf.” On top of not wanting to return, Ferrell believes the sequel’s story wasn’t good. In 2021, he did a profile interview withThe Hollywood Reporter,expressing his disapproval of the script.
“I would have had to promote the movie from an honest place, which would’ve been, like, ‘Oh no, it’s not good. I just couldn’t turn down that much money.’ And I thought, ‘Can I actually say those words?’ I don’t think I can, so I guess I can’t do the movie.”
Ferrell has a lot of animosity for the script, which was first drafted by Scot Armstrong, whose works include comedies likeThe Hangover: Part 2. It is unknown if any further attempts to re-do the script were ever attempted, but Ferrell has rejected an Elf sequel at every turn. According to him, the movie’s dialogue was poor, and the story would have added nothing new to his character. MaybeFerrell was right to turn downElf 2, but the script isn’t the only reason Ferrell won’t return for the role.
James Caan Suggested That Will Ferrell & Jon Favreau “Didn’t Get Along”
However, Ferrell Did Want To Do A Sequel, At Least Early On
James Caan, who portrayed Buddy’s father in the film, commented on the widespread speculation that Ferrell and Elf director Jon Favreau feuded while filming the movie. In a radio interview back in 2020, Caan claimed that “the two didn’t get along very well."(ViaThe Wrap). If that’s the case, then the tension between Ferrell and Favreau may have been a factor in the sequel not materializing.
“The director and Will didn’t get along very well, So, Will wanted to do it, he didn’t want the director, and he had it in his contract, it was one of those things.”
TheIron Mandirector andThe Mandaloriancreator was still an up-and-coming director, withElfbeing only his second feature film as a director. Neither party has publicly commented on this feud, but it was a sticking point for Ferrell after the success ofElfback in 03'. Ferrell seemed to have some desire to do a sequel early on, but having Favreau attached to the project killed it. As time passed and the sequel continued getting stalled, it would appear Ferrell lost interest in the project as he got older.
What Director Jon Favreau Has Said About Making Elf 2
His Thoughts Have Somewhat Changed Over Time
Over the years since, Jon Favreau has accumulated an impressive resume in the Marvel Cinematic Universe,Star Wars, and other projects. Favreau’s opinion on the subject has changed over the years. In 2016, he stated that pitches for anElfsequel would often come up from studio executives, although he is hesitant to act on those pitches. (viaYahoo Entertainment). When asked ifElf 2could be made without Will Ferrell, Favreau stated,“There are all sorts of ways…‘and that’There’s so many ways to skin that cat.”
In 2023, he had an interview withVarietyand hardened his stance that the movie is better left off by itself. Favreau claimed,“I think there’s always room for new Christmas movies.That particular film, I don’t know what story would be told after that. It’s very complete.“It cannot be determined to what extent the feud between Favreau and Ferrell plays a role in the thought process of the two cannot, but it likely has had a significant effect.
12 Things You Didn’t Know About Elf
Celebrate the 12 days of Christmas with 12 unknown facts about the modern Christmas classic Elf, including cameos and abandoned storylines.
That said, having a sequel forElfwould not necessarily be the best thing in the world. The original is a very sound, heart-warming, complete story. There aresome harsh realities withElfupon rewatch, but the movie is still an enjoyable Christmas classic for many. In an era where everything gets a sequel, it’s nice that some movies can stand alone. Even if those reasons are because of behind-the-scenes drama, the original will always be fun to watch.
Elf
Cast
Elf follows Buddy, a human raised as an elf at the North Pole. As an adult, he journeys to Manhattan to find his biological father, a work-driven businessman. The film explores Buddy’s comedic attempts to navigate human society and his quest to bring holiday spirit to his family.
