Will Ferrell Chose Creative Integrity Over $29 Million Elf 2 Deal

After the massive success of 2003’s Elf, Will Ferrell was offered a deal to make a sequel for $29 million. But he turned it down because he couldn’t honestly promote it as a good movie.


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In our memories, Elf has always been one of the classic go-to’s during the holiday season. But Ferrell reveals to The Hollywood Reporter that while filming, he pondered whether any good could come out of this film and if “this could be the end.”

Will Ferrell Chose Creative Integrity Over $29 Million Elf 2 Deal
Will Ferrell in Elf

In Elf, Ferrell plays a human who was adopted and raised by Santa’s elves as “Buddy.” However, once he discovers the truth, he goes off to find his biological father in New York — someone who doesn’t really believe in Christmas.

Not only was the film well-received ($220 million at the box office), it also carved Ferrell’s path to becoming the comedic hero we know him to be.

In the face of all this success, it is almost shocking to hear that Ferrell turned down a $29 million deal to make Elf 2.

The explanation is simple: Elf 2 would be no more than a recycled version of its predecessor. Sure, the money was good. But was it worth getting into a project Ferrell had no faith in? His creativity integrity decided no.

Will Ferrell Chose Creative Integrity Over $29 Million Elf 2 Deal
Will Ferrell in Elf

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.’ And I thought, ‘Can I actually say those words? I don’t think I can, so I guess I can’t do the movie.

Will Ferrell

There is no telling how Elf 2 would’ve fared in actuality, but there is respect earned for Ferrell sticking to his gut.

Of course, as certain rumors would have it, Ferrell and Elf’s director Jon Favreau did not get along, which put another stoppage to the sequel that Favreau so dearly coveted.

Elf found other ways to get back into our lives: Elf: The Musical on Broadway, an animated special called Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas, and a Game Boy Advance video game.

As for Will Ferrell currently, he is set to star in the Apple TV original Shrink Next Door alongside Paul Rudd, Kathryn Hahn, and Casey Wilson.

Watch Elf on:

About Elf

Elf is a 2003 Christmas comedy film directed by Jon Favreau and written by David Berenbaum. It is regarded as one of the greatest Christmas movies of all time. 

It stars Will Ferrell as a human adopted and raised by Santa’s elves. Once he learns the truth, he goes on a journey to meet his biological father in New York, while also spreading Christmas cheer in a world of cynics in the process.

Supporting cast includes James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Mary Steenburgen, Daniel Tay, Bob Newhart, and Ed Asner.

Source: Hollywood Reporter

Epic Dope Staff

Epic Dope Staff

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