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Elf has become a real Christmas classic movie, but lead star Will Ferrell wasn’t always so convinced it’d be a hit.
Of course, the comedy flick is now a favourite in households worldwide, and it’s hard to believe it’s been almost two decades since it was released.
Released in November 2003, the film tells the story of Buddy (Will), a human, who is raised amongst elves at the North Pole.
When he discovers that he is not actually an elf, he travels to New York to search for his biological father.
Also starring Zooey Deschanel, James Caan, and Peter Dinklage, it’s no surprise the festive film has bagged countless awards, and can be quoted off by heart by so many.
Asked why he believes the film is still such a hit almost 20 years on, the actor told The One Show: ‘I think because it’s beautifully uncynical, you know? It’s a character who’s excited by everything that is mundane to a person in a normal life, it’s a fish out of water story, it’s very sweet and hopeful and it turns out, it was funny!’
Elf has become a real Christmas classic (Picture: Alan Markfield/New Line Prods/Kobal/Shutterstock)
Will Ferrell had no idea how successful the movie would become (Picture: Moviestore/Shutterstock)
However, the actor was unable to predict what a success it would be while on set.
‘At the time, as I was running around New York City in my yellow tights, I was thinking, “This is gonna be my last movie”,’ he laughed.
‘Little did we know, we were making a movie that would stand the test of time, and people love it.’
Elf is having its moment once again after featuring in Asda’s 2022 Christmas advert.
The actor’s latest projects include Spirited and the upcoming Barbie film (Picture: Rich Polk/Getty Images for IMDb)
Yes, Buddy is back to spread festive cheer far and wide, as his character has been enlisted by the supermarket chain to.
Unsurprisingly, the loveable character is in awe of the store, unable to take his eyes off the icing sugar being sprinkled onto mince pies in the bakery.
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However, Buddy starts to think that retail isn’t for him, as it comes with too many responsibilities.
Instead, just like in the movie, he stays up decorating the whole place (with one small run-in with a Christmas tree that he manages to topple) and, the next morning, his efforts are rewarded when he’s told he’s got the job.
The One Show airs weekdays on BBC One at 7pm.
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He had no idea how successful it would be.
