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Caan's 'Sham' Remark on Ferrell's Elf Humor
29 Nov
Summary
- James Caan initially thought Will Ferrell's Elf performance was 'a sham'.
- Caan changed his mind after seeing the completed film, calling it brilliant.
- Will Ferrell turned down an Elf sequel because he couldn't promote it honestly.
The beloved 2003 holiday film "Elf" saw James Caan initially question the comedic approach of his co-star, Will Ferrell. Caan, who played Buddy the Elf's father, Walter Hobbs, reportedly expressed to Ferrell that his on-set antics felt "like a sham" and that he wasn't finding the humor amusing.
Ferrell, embodying Buddy the Elf, recounted Caan's early skepticism, noting that the veteran actor had found his performance to be over-the-top. Caan's perspective, however, underwent a significant transformation upon witnessing the finished film, leading him to describe Ferrell's portrayal as "brilliant"—a compliment Ferrell highly valued.
Despite the film's enduring popularity, a sequel never materialized. Ferrell revealed that he declined the offer because he couldn't authentically promote a film he didn't believe in, prioritizing artistic integrity over financial gain. The film's cultural impact continues to resonate, with fans re-watching it year-round.
