Will Ferrell Faces Backlash for Buddy the Elf Appearance (Exclusive)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/will-ferrell-elf-costume-hockey-011025-6fe81e1b2f7d4a98b63bb2f13efc5baf.jpg)
Actor Will Ferrell stirred controversy by appearing as Buddy the Elf at an NHL game, upsetting some fans. The 57-year-old actor donned the iconic outfit from the 2003 holiday movie Elf, where he played the lovable and innocent character. Ferrell’s appearance at the Los Angeles Kings vs. Philadelphia Flyers game included him scowling, drinking beer, and holding a cigarette, which did not sit well with some fans.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Ferrell acknowledged the mixed reactions to his portrayal of Buddy the Elf. He shared, “Some people were not too happy, though. They thought, ‘Please be true to the character. That was not cool.'” Despite the backlash, Ferrell joked about Buddy having a rough day, explaining, “Buddy was having a bad day. Yeah. He just went to a hockey game, smoked cigarettes and drank beer.”
Discussing the motivation behind his unconventional outing, Ferrell revealed on a podcast that he and his wife are season ticket holders for the L.A. Kings. His idea to dress up as Buddy the Elf and sit at their glass-side seats for a period was a spontaneous decision. The actor explained, “I get these weird ideas every now and then. We have seats right on the glass, which are amazing. I told my wife, ‘Over the break, it would be funny if I just got a Buddy the Elf costume and didn’t shave for like a week.'”
During a playful exchange with his You’re Cordially Invited co-star Reese Witherspoon in the PEOPLE interview, Witherspoon teased Ferrell about his Buddy the Elf costume. She quipped, “Where’d you get your Buddy costume? Amazon?” Ferrell confirmed, “I did,” adding to the light-hearted nature of the conversation.
Apart from his Buddy the Elf antics, Ferrell shared insights about his new movie, You’re Cordially Invited, where he portrays Jim, a proud father involved in a wedding mix-up. The film, also starring Reese Witherspoon, is currently available for streaming on Prime Video. Fans of Ferrell and Witherspoon can catch more details in the latest issue of PEOPLE, hitting newsstands soon.
As the discussion around Ferrell’s unconventional outing continues, the actor remains unapologetic for his spontaneous portrayal of Buddy the Elf. With a career spanning various comedic roles, including Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy and Blades of Glory, Ferrell’s ability to surprise and entertain audiences remains unparalleled.
In the world of entertainment, where actors often blur the lines between fiction and reality, Ferrell’s embodiment of Buddy the Elf at an NHL game serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of beloved characters on popular culture. The intricacies of fan reactions and celebrity portrayals add layers to the broader conversation about the entertainment industry’s influence on public perception.
Despite the critique, Ferrell’s willingness to embrace his iconic roles outside of the silver screen demonstrates a playful and creative side to his persona. As fans eagerly anticipate his future projects and on-screen performances, Ferrell’s escapades as Buddy the Elf serve as a testament to the enduring charm and nostalgia associated with classic holiday films.