The best way to spread Christmas cheer is by spilling secrets about Elf for all to hear.
In 2003, Will Ferrell stole our hearts and reinvigorated our love for maple syrup and smiling when Elf debuted in theaters. Made for just $33 million, the Jon Favreau-directed feel-good comedy went on to gross over $220 million and, more importantly, has endured as a holiday classic for all these years.
Ferrell's turn as Buddy the Elf was his first film after leaving Saturday Night Live and found the actor interacting with animated whales and snowmen in the North Pole then hopping around New York City in yellow tights. And yet, somehow, it all worked.
But did you know that the role almost went to another actor? Or that one of Ferrell's co-stars was concerned that his performance was "too over-the-top"? Talk about a cotton-headed ninnymuggins.
To celebrate the Christmas classic's 20th anniversary Nov. 7, the Empire State Building—one of Buddy's favorite destinations—will be lit green and yellow to match one of the ginormous elf's famous costume. Congratulations, he did it!
So take a journey with us through the seven levels of the candy cane forest, through the sea of swirly-twirly gum drops and then through the Lincoln Tunnel to check out these behind-the-scenes secrets about Elf...
Elf is streaming on Max.
This story was originally published on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020 at 3 a.m. PT.