Elf’s Original Ending Was Nearly Replaced (& Ruined) After 20-Year-Old Will Ferrell Comedy’s Success

A twenty-year-old, career-defining comedy starring Will Ferrell almost ruined Elf’s magical ending. Elf’s famously enchanting conclusion, like Ferrell’s renowned portrayal of lead character Buddy the Elf, is one of the many endearing components of the 2003 holiday feature that makes it a timeless Christmas classic as well as a cult favorite film year after year. Elf follows Buddy as he searches for his biological father, Walter Hobbs, after spending his whole life living under the guidance of Santa and his elves; and although Buddy has a harrowing adventure through New York in his pursuit, Elf ends as a jubilant celebration of the holiday season.