The original script for Elf was written with Jim Carrey in mind for the lead role, but it sat in production limbo for a decade before eventually being picked up by Ferrell.

Who was originally supposed to play Elf?

The original script for the movie in the early 1990s had comedian Jim Carrey chosen to star in the role of Buddy the Elf. Turns out, Carrey ended up playing a very different Christmas character in the 2000 film How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Who was supposed to play Elf instead of Will Ferrell?

Berenbaum finished the first draft of Elf in 1993 with In Living Color alum, Jim Carrey in mind for the lead role, with a much darker undertone of the film — but Carey wasn't meant to be in the role. The version featuring Carey was never made, and the script sat idle for years.

Who was going to be Elf before Will Ferrell?

Jim Carrey was originally considered for the role of Buddy the Elf, but Will Ferrell ultimately brought the iconic character to life. The original script for Elf was much darker, but director Jon Favreau rewrote it to make it more family-friendly and PG-rated.

Who else almost played Elf?

Though it's hard to imagine anyone else in the role of Buddy, Ferrell wasn't the first choice for the titular character. When the script for the movie first emerged in 1993, Jim Carrey was attached to star, per Vulture. However, by the time the film went into production, Carrey had moved on from the role.

Who was supposed to be Elf instead of Will Ferrell?

Who turned down the role of Elf?

1. Jim Carrey as Buddy the Elf in Elf. The script for Elf was first written in 1993, and at the time, Carrey was attached to star in it. However, the movie did not immediately go into production, and by the time it did in 2003, Carrey was no longer interested in the role.

Who was the first choice actor for Elf?

The Original Elf Script Was Written For Jim Carrey

Screenwriter David Berenbaum finished the first draft of Elf in 1993, and he had comedic actor Jim Carrey in mind for the lead role.

Did Will Ferrell refuse Elf 2?

It was reported that Will was offered a whopping $29million to appear in a sequel but he still refused to budge for the massive pay cheque. Will, who has had previous success with Anchorman 2, Daddy's Home 2 and Zoolander 2, said it would be 'pathetic' to try and remake Elf.

Why didn't Jim Carrey play Buddy in Elf?

Jim Carrey was initially eyed to play Buddy in Elf.

However, it took another 10 years to get the project in motion, at which time Saturday Night Live star Will Ferrell was signed to star.

How much did Will Ferrell get paid for Elf?

Elf was Will Ferrell's second box office hit. He reportedly received a whopping salary of $17 million for that film alone, more on par with what his talents would dictate in the mid-2000s. He was allegedly offered $29 million to act in an Elf sequel, but couldn't get his heart into it, so he turned it down.

Who else auditioned for Buddy in Elf?

David Berenbaum initially wrote the script in 1993, with Chris Farley and Jim Carrey being early candidates to play Buddy.

Why did they use gimbels in Elf?

Fun fact: Producers wanted to feature the famous Macy's 34th street location, the largest store in the world, but Macy's refused to have their name used. So they settled on Gimbels, a now defunct NY department store–the exterior was shot at 5th Avenue and E 30th St and decorated with CGI.

Did Will Ferrell improvise Elf?

“Elf” (2003) The Christmas classic “Elf” gave Will Ferrell ample opportunity to explore his character, inside and out. In the scene where Buddy explores New York City, the bulk of his onscreen antics were improvised.

Who was the first pick for Elf?

– Will Ferrell was not the original choice for Buddy the Elf. Back when the script was first being shopped around in the 90s, producers wanted Jim Carrey to play the goofy lead.

Did James Caan really play the piano in Elf?

James Caan was a true delight. My favorite memory of him was shooting part of a montage for the end of Elf and he started playing piano — he played beautifully — I sang and he played and I was just astonished by his talent!

Who was supposed to play Wanda in Elf?

According to the "Elf" episode of Netflix's "The Holiday Movies That Made Us," producer Jon Berg said that they originally wanted Wanda Sykes to play the role, but she dropped out at the last minute. It was Love's decision to wear the "Wanda" name tag — which they preemptively made for Sykes — in the film.

Who was originally meant to play Elf?

The first script for Elf was written way back in 1993 with Jim Carrey in mind to play Buddy. However, as the project took years to get off the ground, The Mask star never ended up taking on the role.

Why is Buddy so childish in Elf?

Born December 18th, Buddy was adopted by elves and Santa Claus as a baby, so he never got to discover how exactly to be human. He developed certain skills like quickly decorating a large space, creating toys in short amounts of time and generally being a good person.

How old was Zooey Deschanel in Elf?

I was only 21 when I made that movie. I remember sitting—I was at my parents' house because I basically just dropped out of college to be an actor—and I remember sitting at my parents' house reading that script and laughing out loud. Since then, I've seen that that's a good sign." Deschanel said.

Who turned down the Elf role?

The script for Elf was first created in 1993, and Jim Carrey was reportedly ready to play the role of Buddy. But by the time the film came together a decade later, Carrey turned it down for other projects, reportedly also hesitant to book the role after playing the Grinch.

How much money was Will Ferrell offered for Elf 2?

Will Ferrell Still Has Zero Regrets Over Turning Down $29 Million Offer to Make 'Elf' Sequel. Had Ferrell starred in "Elf 2," he would not have been able to promote it with honesty.

Does Will Ferrell have three sons?

Here's everything to know about Will Ferrell's three sons, Magnus, Mattias and Axel.

Why was Zooey Deschanel blonde in Elf?

“I had to dye my hair blonde for a screen test for a movie that never happened before I did Elf,” Deschanel told Stylecaster in a March 2019 interview. “I went in for the meeting for Elf, and then I asked them, 'Could I dye my hair back to my natural color? ' And they said, 'No.

Did Zooey Deschanel sing in Elf?

Actor sang Ella Fitzgerald's 'Baby, It's Cold Outside'

Elf star Zooey Deschanel has revealed that the scene where she sings in the shower was not in the original script of the film.

Is Gimbels from Elf a real store?

Gimbels was a real department store — however, it was no longer operating at the time Elf was filmed. As ABC News reported, director Jon Favreau — who also played Dr. Leonardo in the film — told the outlet: "We approached the person that had the rights to Gimbels.