Why Will Ferrell Turned Down $29 Million Offer to Star in ‘Elf' Sequel

A script had been written for the follow-up installment, according to The Hollywood Reporter

Will Ferrell during "Elf"
Photo by James Devaney/WireImage

Will Ferrell's recollection about the "Elf" sequel that never quite happened is unlikely to make fans joyfully sing loud for all to hear.

During a cover story for The Hollywood Reporter's comedy issue, the 54-year-old actor discussed his decision to say no to a sequel to director Jon Favreau's beloved 2003 holiday film that also starred James Caan and Zooey Deschanel.

According to THR, a script had been written for the follow-up installment, and Ferrell was offered a whopping $29 million to reprise his role as Buddy the Christmas elf. However, the star ultimately decided he wouldn't feel proud to make the second film, as it seemed to him as though it was just rehashing the original magic.

"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,'" he said candidly. "And I thought, 'Can I actually say those words? I don't think I can, so I guess I can't do the movie.'"

19 Secrets About Elf Revealed

During a 2017 visit to "Watch What Happens Live," a fan asked Ferrell whether he would ever make sequels to either "Elf" or 1998's "A Night at the Roxbury." Ferrell jokingly replied, "I've got great news for you," before quickly adding, "No."

When Andy Cohen pointed out that this was good news, as the first ones "are so great," Ferrell agreed, saying, "Just let them stand on their own, right?"

The THR piece about Ferrell, who can be seen next month opposite Paul Rudd in the Apple TV+ series "The Shrink Next Door," also included "Saturday Night Live" head honcho Lorne Michaels offering some rather high praise about where he would rank the alum among other "SNL" standouts. Check out Michaels' assessment by clicking here.

"Downhill" co-stars Will Ferrell and Julia Louis-Dreyfus discuss their new movie.
Will Ferrell during "Elf"
Photo by James Devaney/WireImage
Will Ferrell during "Elf" New York City Premiere at Loews Astor Plaza in New York City, New York, United States.
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