‘Elf’ Cast 2024: Where Will Ferrell, Peter Dinklage and Others Are Now

As families across the US settle down to celebrate the holiday season, many will gather around TV screens to rewatch classic Christmas movies – and popular comedy Elf is sure to be on many watch lists.

The 2003 film, directed by Jon Favreau, stars Will Ferrell as Buddy, a human accidentally raised by Santa’s elves at the North Pole. As an adult, Buddy discovers that he is not actually an elf and decides to leave the North Pole to find his biological father in New York City.

Buddy embarks on an adventurous journey to reconnect with his father, Walter Hobbs (played by James Caan), a workaholic businessman who is unaware of Buddy’s existence.

While in New York, Buddy’s childlike innocence and enthusiastic love of Christmas leads to humorous situations as he tries to fit into the human world. He also seeks to spread Christmas cheer and help save Christmas, which is in danger of being overshadowed by Walter’s coldness and lack of Christmas spirit.

In addition to becoming an instant classic, the film also boasts a star-studded cast that includes Zooey Deschanel, Peter Dinklage, Bob Newhart, Mary Steenburgen and Daniel Tay.

Most of the leads in Elf went on to have successful careers, with some becoming more famous after their roles in the film, while others have gone on to be respected veterans of the industry.

Newsweek has taken a look at where the actors from the film are today.

‘Elf’ Cast: Where Are They Now?

Will Ferrell (Buddy)

Ferrell was already an established comedic actor before Elfknown for his work on NBC’s ongoing show Saturday Night Live. His film CV includes other classics, such as Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004) and Old School (2003).

After ElfFerrell continued to thrive in Hollywood, starring in several hit comedies, including Step brothers (2008), Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006), The other guys (2010), and Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (2013). He also found success in voice work for animated films such as Megamind (2010) and The Lego movie (2014).

In addition to his acting career, Ferrell has produced and worked on various projects through his production company, Gary Sanchez Productions.

In September 2024, his Netflix documentary was released Will and Harperwhich follows Ferrell as he goes on a road trip with his friend and longtime collaborator Harper Steele, who two years ago came out as a transgender woman at the age of 61.

James Caan (Walter)

Caan was already a legendary actor before Elfknown for his iconic roles in The Godfather (1972), The Gambler(1974), and Misery (1990).

During his decades-long career, Caan was nominated for numerous film and television awards, including an Oscar nod for his critically acclaimed performance in The Godfather.

The screen veteran continued to appear in both television and film in the years that followed Elfs release, notably winning a new generation of fans in his acclaimed role as casino boss “Big Ed” Deline in NBC’s Las Vegas between 2003 and 2007.

After an illustrious career, Caan died in July 2022 at the age of 82.

Zooey Deschanel (Jovie)

Zooey Deschanel, who played Buddy’s love interest, Jovie, achieved considerable fame after Elf.

In 2005, she starred in the hit comedy The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxybefore appearing in a number of hit films that included Yes man and Happeningboth of which were published in 2008, 500 days in the summer (2009), and Our idiot brother (2011).

Deschanel also became a household name among television fans thanks to her role as Jessica Day on the Fox sitcom New girl (2011-2018). New girl ran for seven seasons, and Deschanel was widely praised for her quirky, lovable character.

Outside of acting, Deschanel also found success in music, as one half of the indie pop duo She & Him.

Jon Favreau (Dr. Leonardo)

Favreau has a pretty full plate Elfserves as a director and appears on screen as Dr. Ben Leonardo, Walter’s family doctor who performs a DNA test on Buddy.

Favreau’s career exploded after making a name for himself as a comedic actor Elfwith his success spanning multiple roles in directing, producing and acting.

His most significant career change came when he directed Iron Man (2008), the first film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $585 million worldwide and cementing Favreau as a top-tier director.

Iron Man‘s success led to numerous sequels, and Favreau’s involvement with Marvel would continue in various capacities, including cameos and as an executive producer.

Favreau’s other directing credits include Cowboys & Aliens (2011), The Jungle Book (2016), and The Lion King (2019). He also serves as the creator and executive producer of the Disney+ series Star Wars: The Mandalorian (2019-present).

Peter Dinklage (Miles Finch)

Peter Dinklage, who played angry writer Miles Finch in Elfwas an established actor before the film, though his career grew exponentially after its release.

Weeks before Elf‘s release, Dinklage’s film The station agent debuted and won him recognition. His other film credits include big budget blockbusters X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) and Avengers: Infinity War (2018).

However, Dinklage gained worldwide fame for his role in Game of Thrones (2011–2019) as Tyrion Lannister. Dinklage’s performance on the HBO show earned him multiple Emmy Awards and solidified him as a leading actor in film and television.

Game of Thrones became one of the most successful and culturally significant shows in television history, with Dinklage playing a key role throughout all eight seasons. His work on the series not only made him a household name but also earned him critical praise for his nuanced performance and character development.

Bob Newhart (Papa Elf)

Bob Newhart, who played Buddy’s elf father, Papa Elf, was a well-known and famous comedian and actor long before that Elf.

Originally an accountant, the Illinois native transitioned to comedy at age 30. In 1960, the publication of The Button-Down Mind by Bob Newhartwhich soared to the top of the Billboard charts as the first comedy album to do so, launched his comedy career.

After his role in ElfNewhart went on to enjoy success in television, especially on the hit show The Big Bang Theory (2009–2019), where he had a memorable recurring role as Professor Proton.

Newhart died in July 2024 after “a series of brief illnesses.” He was 94.

Mary Steenburgen (Emily)

Mary Steenburgen, who played Walter Hobbs’ wife, Emily, had an established career before Elfafter winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her turn in Jonathan Demme’s 1980 comedy-drama Melvin and Howard.

After ElfSteenburgen went on to have a successful career in both television and film, starring in Step brothers (2008), The proposal (2009), The help (2011), Last Vegas (2013), The Mindy Project (2015-2017), and Book club (2018).

Among Steenburgen’s most memorable TV roles is as Patricia Heck in The middle (2009-2018), Dr. Janet i Justified (2010–2015), and as Mary, a character navigating life in a world where most people have disappeared, in the post-apocalyptic comedy series The last man on earth (2015-2018).

A seasoned stage performer, Steenburgen appeared in the Tony-nominated Broadway production of Scottsboro Boys (2010).

Ed Asner (Santa Claus)

Edward Asner, who played Santa Claus in Elfhad a legendary career that spanned several decades before landing a role in the film.

He was best known for his role in the TV series The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970–1977) and its spinoff Lou Grant (1977-1982), for which he won several Emmy awards.

After ElfAsner went on to have a prolific career in film and television, including his voice role as Carl Fredricksen in Pixar’s Up (2009).

He remained active in the entertainment industry until his passing in 2021 at the age of 91.

Daniel Tay (Michael)

Daniel Tay, who played the role of Michael Hobbs, son of Walter and Emily Hobbs, in Elfhas kept a much lower profile than many of his co-stars after the film.

After Elfwhich was his debut film role, Tay had a few minor roles in films, but none that garnered the same attention as Elf. His remarkable post-Elf roles include: The Take (2007) and A little game (2014).

He also appeared on television and had a guest role in Law and order: SVU (2007).

Tay eventually moved on from acting entirely, going on to study economics at the prestigious Yale University. He has also worked as an SAT instructor, per Hello! magazine.

Who was originally cast to play Buddy the Elf?

An interesting fact to share around the Christmas dinner table is that Chris Farley was considered for the role of Buddy the Elf when the script was originally written by David Berenbaum back in 1993.

Farley died in 1997, several years before the film would hit the screen. When the wheels were in motion, Jim Carrey was considered for the role.

However, Carrey ultimately passed on the role due to scheduling conflicts and other commitments. After Carrey’s departure from the project, Ferrell was brought in to play Buddy.

As we all know by now, Ferrell’s performance in the role became iconic, and Elf became a holiday classic. Ferrell’s unique comedic style, combined with the character’s innocence and enthusiasm, helped make Buddy the Elf one of the most beloved characters in Christmas movie history.