Will there be an Elf sequel? Christmas movie poster with Will Ferrell dressed as Buddy explained

CHRISTMAS just wouldn’t be Christmas without watching the holiday classic movie, Elf.

In November 2024, rumors began to swirl that there would be a sequel to this much loved festive flick, which were sadly untrue. Here we take a look at how they started.

Elf has become an adored Christmas classic for grown-ups and children alike since its release in 2003, 

The movie follows the story of Buddy (played by Will Ferrell), a human who was adopted and raised by Santa in the North Pole.

But when he becomes an adult, he is unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in with the other Elves.

Santa then sends Buddy to New York to find his biological father.

As it happens, this is Walter Hobbs (played by James Caan), a businessman.

After a DNA test proves this, Walter reluctantly attempts to build a relationship with Buddy with increasingly chaotic results.

Becoming a Christmas classic

When it was released at Christmas in 2003 Elf opened to rave reviews.  

It was made for just £26million and earned £194million at the box office.

The movie inspired the 2010 Broadway musical Elf: The Musical and NBC‘s 2014 stop-motion animated television special Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas.

Fake movie poster

This is why, when a poster emerged online that was advertising “Elf 2”, fans of the movie went wild.

The poster included a picture of an older Will Ferrell reprising his much-loved character, Buddy.

It also claimed the remake would be released in December 2024.

The poster was captioned with: “Elf 2 is here, and Buddy the Elf is bringing double the holiday cheer. When Miles Finch creates AI-powered BuddyBots using Buddy’s likeness, the festive robots take over Christmas with hilarious, over-the-top antics.

“Get ready for a wild, heartwarming ride in this new holiday classic, streaming on MAX this December.”

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.

Director Jon Favreau

But, this advert for a new film was a complete fake.

It was created by YODA BBY ABY who have made other similarly fake movie posters.

The page’s bio reads: “I’m just here to eat frogs, lift rocks and be satirical. The page is 100% satire and fake news.”

Director’s verdict on sequel

Jon Favreau who wrote and directed Elf, has also put a stop to any rumors that there will ever with a sequel.

Previously speaking to Variety, he said: “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.”

Speaking about shooting the movie, Jon added: “We really embraced making it feel like it could air right alongside Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer or It’s a Wonderful Life.

I decided I wouldn’t be able to (do a sequel). I didn’t want to wander into an area that could erase all the good work I’ve done

Will Ferrell

“It felt old even when it first came out, because of the stop-motion animation, the themes, the music, John Debney’s beautiful score, and, of course, Will Ferrell at the center of it, bringing so much humanity and humor to it.”

Will Ferrell ‘not keen’

It was reported how Will previously turned down a reported $29M paycheck to reprise the role of Buddy for a sequel.

He told The Guardian that it “wasn’t difficult at all” to pass on the opportunity.

“I remember asking myself: could I withstand the criticism when it’s bad and they say, ‘He did the sequel for the money?'” he explained.

“I decided I wouldn’t be able to. I didn’t want to wander into an area that could erase all the good work I’ve done — but you watch, I’ll do some sequel in the future that’s c**p.”

‘Tension’ between Will and Jon

The late actor James Caan alleged it was “tension” between Will and director Jon that stopped any chance of a sequel in its tracks.

“We were gonna do it, and I thought, ‘Oh my God, I finally have a franchise movie.

“I can make some money, let my kids do what the hell they want to do,'” he said on 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland.

“But the director and Will didn’t get along very well.

“Will wanted to do it, and he didn’t want the director. He had it in his contract. It was one of those things.”