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

On November 16, 2024By Littum

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

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

Elf has become a Christmas movie favorite since its release in 2003Credit: Alamy

This poster of an Elf 2 movie was a fakeCredit: Facebook / YODA BBY ABY

This is the original 2003 movie posterCredit: Alamy

Elf has become a beloved Christmas classic for adults and children alike since its release in 2003,

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

But as he grows up, 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 tries to build a relationship with Buddy, with increasingly chaotic results.

Will become a Christmas classic

When it was released for Christmas 2003, Elf opened to rave reviews.

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

The film 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

That’s why when a poster appeared online promoting “Elf 2,” fans of the movie went wild.

‘How did I only see this now’ Elf fans ask as they see ‘legendary Christmas movie star’ in Will Ferrell movie

The poster featured an image of an older Will Ferrell reprising his much-loved character, Buddy.

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

The poster was captioned with, “Elf 2 is here and Buddy the Elf brings doubles the holiday encourage. When Miles Finch creates AI-powered BuddyBots using Buddy’s likeness, it’s festive robots take in Christmas with fun, over-the-top antics.

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

I think there is always room for new Christmas movies. That particular movie, I don’t know what story would be told after it. It is very complete.

Director Jon Favreau

But this ad for a new one film was completely false.

It was created by YODA BBY ABY, who has created other similar fake movie posters.

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

Every year, fans see Elf as part of their holiday traditionsCredit: Alamy

Jon Favreau directed Elf - seen on set with Will — Jon Favreau directed Elf – seen on set with WillCredit: Alamy

The instructor’s decision to continue

Jon Favreau, who wrote and directed Elf, has also put an end to rumors that there will ever be a sequel.

Previously spoken to Blackhe said, “I think there’s always room for new Christmas movies,”

“The special filmI don’t know what story would be told after that. It’s very complete.”

On making the film, Jon added: “We really embraced making it feel like it could be shown right next to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer or It’s a Wonderful Life.

I decided I wouldn’t be able to (make 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 set up’

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 was “not 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 made the sequel to money?'” he explained.

“I decided I wasn’t going to be able to do that. I didn’t want to wander into an area that could erase all the good work I’ve done—but you see, I’m doing a sequel in future that’s c**p.”

The late James Caan starred in ElfCredit: Alamy

‘Tension’ between Will and Jon

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

“We wanted to do it and I was like, ‘Oh my god, I finally have a franchise movie.

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

“But the director and Will didn’t get along too 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.”