Will Ferrell turned down a HUGE amount of money to make Elf 2 😱
Could anything be as good as the first?
Last updated 2nd Nov 2021
Now Halloween is out of the way and the sun officially sets at 5pm, we’re now counting down the days until Christmas. Yes, really.
One film we ALWAYS watch in the run up to Christmas is Elf, the iconic 2003 film featuring Will Ferrell as Buddy, a human, who is raised amongst elves at the North Pole. When he discovers that he is not an elf, he travels to New York to search for his biological father.
The film is an absolute classic and took over $222 million at the box office when first released. However, Will has now revealed that there are no plans to make a sequel as he turned down $29 million to star in a second film because he “didn’t believe in the story”.
Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter, he said: “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.
“I thought, ‘Can I actually say those words? I don’t think I can, so I guess I can’t do the movie.’”
Will has previously spoken about his reservations about the role when he was first cast, revealing his first doubts to James Corden on The Late Late Show after the host admitted that he was a ‘huge fan’ of the film.
“The first two weeks of shooting were kind of all the exteriors in New York and so, you know, still kind of discovering what this movie’s going to be and running around New York City in yellow tights.
“People recognising me from Saturday Night Live going, ‘Are you okay? What’s going on?’ and thinking to myself this is either going to be a home run or people are going to go, ‘Whatever happened to you? Why did you do that one about the elf?’”
Turns out the yellow tights paid off…
Check out 10 of the best Christmas films to get you in the festive spirit:
10. Arthur Christmas
Ever wondered what Santa Claus' family history is? Well, this film reveals all! The animation might interrupt a more child based audience but come on who isn't still a child at heart?
We are. And, Arthur Christmas hits you right in the heart watching this wonderful warm tail. If you are wanting a fun magical film to get you in the spirit this is the one.
9. Home Alone
Now, the great thing about Home Alone is that there is not just one film, there is five! YES, five films! On serious note who has really seen three, four and five? If you are in the mood to keep the festive feelings going though you have five action packed, full of mischief and comedy Christmas films in one here, you are sorted.
8. The Polar Express
How would you react if you woke up to a huge magical train outside? We wouldn't be able to contain our excitement! The Polar Express is just full of magic and if you are looking a for something for the whole family this is one for you. Also, does anyone else think the train driver looks exactly the voice actor Tom Hanks?
7. Die Hard
Right, lets settle this once and for all…does Die Hard count as a Christmas film?
Well, we have taken this film into consideration because it's definitely not your usual Christmas film. If you're sick of the usual Christmas film and want something a little different, then this is a good shout. Besides, who doesn't love a young Bruce Willis squaring up against Professor Snape?
6. Office Christmas Party
Surely everyone can relate to this film as the excitement of the Christmas work do's are just around the corner, they're arguably more exciting than Christmas itself...too far?
If you need some inspiration for your Christmas party, well, this is the film to go to – it's in the name! You'll be rolling around on the floor laughing at some of the stuff they get up to in this film, though we do feel sorry for the person cleaning up after, but the messier the party, the better, right?
5. The Holiday
You are defo going to need lots and lots of tissues for this one, just thinking about the film brings a tear to our eyes.
The Holiday is such a beautiful, heartwarming film full of love; and what more could you want at this time of year? Who else is seriously jealous of Kate Winslet's characters' cute cottage? Or are you more the LA mansion type?
4. Daddy's Home 2
This is a more recent Christmas film, but it's sure to become a classic in years to come, with it's hilarious take on Christmas.
If you're wanting a laugh then this is a must – we guarantee it'll knock your Christmas socks off, not that we're wanting to make your feet cold, but this film's worth it and something for the whole family.
3. The Grinch
Does anyone feel that the older they get, the more they can relate to the Grinch? Urm yes. It's defo worth watching this film or even watching it again, and you'll totally understand where we're coming from, it'll crack you up.
2. Love Actually
Get the tissues out, you are going to need them for all those joyful tears. Love Actually is such a feel good and warm film that sprinkles the right kind of magic and love at this wonderful time of year. If this sounds like a bit of you, then what are you waiting for...?
1. Elf
Elf is an all-time classic and we would recommend watching this not just once over the festive season, but at least three times.
We guarantee that you will laugh harder each and every time. This film has a mixture of laughs, love, and care – and come on, let's be real, we all know that at some point in our lives we've wanted to try Buddy's specialty spaghetti with a sweet twist. If you are in the mood for good vibes and good laughs then Elf is the Christmas film for you.
Now read:
The best Christmas films to get you in the festive spirit
Netflix have released a list of their Christmas films & shows this year
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