The crowd at the Los Angeles Kings vs. Philadelphia Flyers game on December 29, 2024, was treated to a surprising sight. Among the sea of hockey fans, none stood out quite like Will Ferrell, dressed as Buddy the Elf.
Ferrell, who starred as Buddy in the beloved 2003 holiday classic Elf, brought a humorous twist to the character.
Sporting Buddy’s iconic green suit, yellow tights, and cone hat, he added an uncharacteristic cigarette and scruffy beard to the ensemble.
Fans quickly noticed the subtle transformation of Buddy into a “disheveled” version. Ferrell’s choice of outfit hinted that the holiday season may have taken its toll on Buddy this year.
Seated with his wife, Viveca Paulin, and their teenage son, Axel, Ferrell blended his comedic charm with the festive spirit of the event. As a longtime Los Angeles Kings fan, Ferrell is no stranger to the hockey stands, but this appearance was unlike any other.
During the game, Carrlyn Bathe from FanDuel Sports Network approached Ferrell for an impromptu interview. She described him as “smoking a cigarette ringside, with a five o’clock shadow, looking a little bit disgruntled.”
Ferrell humorously responded, saying, “It’s been a tough holiday season,” and expressed his hopes for a Kings victory. His wish was fulfilled as the Kings edged out the Flyers in a thrilling 5-4 match.
Social media lit up with reactions to Ferrell’s appearance. Photos and videos of “disheveled Buddy” circulated widely, with fans amused by the creative and unexpected twist on the beloved character.
Many fans speculated about Buddy’s fictional backstory leading to his rugged appearance. Others were simply delighted by Ferrell’s ability to bring joy and laughter in the most unexpected settings.
Ferrell’s portrayal of Buddy in Elf remains one of his most iconic roles. The film, which follows Buddy’s journey from the North Pole to New York City in search of his father, grossed over $220 million globally.
Despite Elf’s success, Ferrell has repeatedly turned down offers for a sequel. In a 2021 interview, he admitted to declining a $29 million paycheck, saying he couldn’t promote a sequel he didn’t believe in.
Instead, Ferrell has embraced the legacy of Elf in other ways, such as this hockey game appearance. He reflected on the film’s enduring popularity, noting how it continues to grow as a holiday staple for families worldwide.
Ferrell’s co-star, the late James Caan, initially struggled with Ferrell’s comedic style on set. Caan reportedly told Ferrell, “I don’t get you. You’re not funny.” This tension, Ferrell shared, added authenticity to their on-screen dynamic.
Caan eventually became receptive to Ferrell’s performance, describing it as extravagant yet impactful. This transformation mirrors how Elf itself grew from a risky venture into a cultural phenomenon.
As for the reason behind Ferrell’s Buddy the Elf stunt, the actor remained coy. Whether it was simply a nod to nostalgia or a spontaneous decision, it left fans buzzing with excitement.
Breaking the news at the end, Ferrell shared his true motivation for donning the costume. “It’s all about spreading some holiday cheer,” he said, “and maybe distracting a bit from a tough season for Buddy and the rest of us.”
With his quirky twist on Buddy, Ferrell reminded everyone of the magic of the holidays. Even 20 years after Elf debuted, his comedic brilliance continues to leave fans laughing and wanting more.
Featured Image Credit: (Ronald Martinez)
