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Elf is a 2003 American Christmas comedy film directed by Jon Favreau and written by David Berenbaum. It stars Will Ferrell as Buddy, a human raised by Santa's elves, who learns about his origins and heads to New York City to meet his biological father.
- Natasha Lavender
- David Berenbaum wanted to make a classic Christmas movie. As a kid growing up in Philadelphia, future Elf screenwriter David Berenbaum loved Christmas — despite being Jewish.
- Jon Favreau was inspired by Rankin/Bass — but not too inspired. Anyone who grew up watching Rankin/Bass specials will notice similarities with Elf, especially in the North Pole sequences.
- Will Ferrell was considered a risky choice for Buddy. Picturing anyone other than Will Ferrell (or an actual elf) pulling off Buddy's unbridled Christmas spirit, hopeless naivete, and yellow tights is almost impossible now.
- Jon Favreau added 'Baby, It's Cold Outside' for Zooey Deschanel. Elf proved to be a big break for Zooey Deschanel, who played down-on-Christmas department store elf Jovie, whom Buddy falls in love with.
Dec 22, 2023 · Having lost his dad at a young age, Berenbaum framed his story as a story about a son searching for the affection of his father set against a holiday backdrop.
- Thomas Butt
- Will Ferrell
- Jon Favreau
- Senior Author
Elf (2003) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more.
Nov 6, 2023 · "Elf" was released 20 years ago, on Nov. 7, 2003. Directed by Jon Favreau and written by David Berenbaum, it tells the story of Buddy the elf, who is in fact not an elf at all but a human.
- Victoria Edel
He's been raised in the traditional elfin ways of industrious good humour, but now it's time for him to venture to distant New York and discover his real father is a grumpy publisher (Caan), who...
People also ask
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Dec 23, 2022 · David Berenbaum chats exclusively to RadioTimes.com about writing the script for the most enduring Christmas film of the last 20 years.
