Will Ferrell, known for his comedic roles, brought his beloved character Buddy the Elf to the ice at the L.A. Kings game on Sunday, December 29, 2024. Dressed in the bright green and yellow costume from the 2003 holiday classic, Ferrell's presence was expected to spread festive cheer, but instead, he displayed quite the opposite demeanor.
The actor, who is now 57 years old, was spotted at the Crypto.com Arena, watching the game between the Kings and the Philadelphia Flyers, accompanied by his wife, Viveca, and their youngest son, Axel. Despite the festive outfit, Ferrell appeared haggard, sporting noticeable stubble, and was seen with a cigarette dangling from his lips and seemingly enjoying a beer.
“Buddy the Elf is officially in #Hockeywood,” the Kings jokingly posted on their social media, sharing footage of Ferrell sitting ringside. But fans quickly noticed something was off. Instead of delivering the signature cheer of Buddy, who famously proclaims, "I just like to smile. Smiling’s my favorite," Ferrell instead wore a scowl as he watched the action on the ice. This unexpected twist raised eyebrows among fans and even prompted inquiries about the state of the character.
During the event, sideline reporter Carrlyn Bathe caught up with Ferrell, giving him the chance to address his unusual disposition. “It’s been a tough holiday season,” he admitted, much to the amusement of onlookers who couldn't reconcile this version of Buddy with the joyfully naive character from the movie. A far cry from the sugar-loaded spaghetti-eater made famous 21 years ago, this version of Buddly seemed worn out by life.
Ferrell's visit to the game stirred up not only nostalgia but also reflection on his decision not to reprise his role as Buddy for any sequels. Despite being offered nearly $29 million to return, he told The Hollywood Reporter back in 2021, "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 so much money. I thought, ‘Can I actually say those words? I don’t think I can, so I guess I can’t do the movie.’”
The film "Elf," directed by Jon Favreau, has gone on to develop a loyal fan base since its release, raking in over $220 million worldwide. It features Ferrell as Buddy, raised by elves but discovering his human roots after moving to New York City. The movie's charm lies not only within its comedic moments but also the poignant lessons about family and acceptance, elements Ferrell captured flawlessly during his portrayal.
Echoing sentiments concerning the legacy of his character, fellow cast member Mary Steenburgen reminisced during the film’s 20th anniversary, where she recalled her first reaction to seeing Ferrell as Buddy. “I had not seen even a design or anything about what Will was going to look like,” Steenburgen said. “When he came on set, I just spent the whole day trying to get my lines out without laughing.”
Ferrell's recent appearance couldn’t have come at a more fitting time as fans enjoyed the holiday season. Still, his post-holiday embodiment of Buddy presents intriguing discussions surrounding the evolution of beloved characters. Ferrell’s decision to embrace the character yet reinterpret it through the lens of personal struggles adds depth to the relationship audiences have with him.
While Ferrell was engaging with family and showing up to events dressed as the cheerful Buddy, it raises questions about the challenges of always being the happy character perceived by the public. The stark difference between the classic portrayal and current representation does provoke contemplation on the darker aspects behind the joyous facades of characters like Buddy, particularly during tough personal times.
Trailing from the game, Ferrell’s character transition makes it evident how time can affect cultural icons and sets the stage for reflections on how cherished narratives can sometimes clash with reality. With sports concluding, one can only ponder if Ferrell is gearing up for another character exploration or if he’ll remain the quirky relic of holiday cheer. Meanwhile, as the L.A. Kings claimed victory with a final score of 5-4, let's hope the New Year brings renewed spirit alongside the well-loved figure of Buddy.
Ferrell’s portrayal and presence seem to serve as reminders of what it means to embody certain roles, both on the big screen and off. Whether dressed for joy or not, he continues to be undeniably influential, inviting audiences to revisit moments captured within his acclaimed work and perhaps rethink how life and art intermingle at times. With his intriguing twist on Buddy the Elf, Will Ferrell leaves fans eager for what may come next.