Mary Steenburgen Recalls Elf's Sweet Spaghetti Scene

Actress Mary Steenburgen shared fond memories from the set of the 2003 film Elf, particularly recalling a challenging yet unforgettable scene. In this sequence, her character consumes a peculiar spaghetti dish prepared by Buddy the Elf, elaborately topped with candy, chocolate, and maple syrup. Steenburgen confessed that the unusual meal was not to her taste, describing it as "not my dream food."

The initial filming of this dinner scene proved difficult for Steenburgen, who found it hard to deliver her lines without erupting in laughter. Seeing Will Ferrell in his full Buddy the Elf costume for the first time, despite her expectations, was a significant source of amusement. She noted that the entire cast, including the late James Caan, frequently struggled to keep a straight face during takes.

Despite the comedic challenges, Steenburgen reflected positively on the experience, highlighting the joy and camaraderie on set. The unique nature of Ferrell's performance and costume meant that the cast, even those deeply involved in production, found it difficult to become accustomed to, leading to many shared moments of laughter and memorable takes during the filming of the beloved holiday classic.