Will Ferrell Revives Buddy the Elf at Hockey Game in a Surprising New Look

Will Ferrell brought a bit of holiday cheer in a completely unexpected way at a hockey game on December 29. The actor, best known for his role as Buddy the Elf in the 2003 Christmas hit Elf, showed up dressed as the beloved character at a Los Angeles Kings vs. Philadelphia Flyers game. However, this version of Buddy was far from the cheerful, innocent elf fans remember. Sporting a disheveled look with a five o'clock shadow and a faux cigarette, Ferrell’s Buddy was clearly in need of a holiday pick-me-up.

Ferrell, a regular fan of the Los Angeles Kings, has attended several games over the years but never before in full Buddy the Elf attire. The moment was caught by FanDuel Sports Network broadcaster Carrlyn Bathe, who interviewed the quirky version of Buddy. When asked about his appearance, Buddy revealed, “It was a tough holiday season,” and added he was hoping for a Kings win.

Elf remains a timeless Christmas classic, grossing over $220 million at the box office. Ferrell played Buddy, a human raised by Santa's elves, who heads to New York to reunite with his biological father, played by James Caan. In a recent interview on the Messy podcast, Ferrell reflected on working with Caan, recalling how the legendary actor didn’t initially appreciate Ferrell’s comedic style.

“He would tease me,” Ferrell recalled. “I like to do bits but I’m not like ‘on’ all the time. He’d say, ‘I don’t get you. You’re not funny.’” But after seeing the movie’s final cut, Caan had a change of heart. “He told me, ‘Now that I see it in the movie, it’s brilliant,’” Ferrell shared.

Ferrell also opened up about his decision to turn down a $29 million offer for an Elf sequel, Elf 2. “I just couldn’t do it,” he explained. “I couldn’t promote the movie from an honest place, and I thought, ‘Can I actually say these words?’”

It’s clear that Ferrell remains connected to his iconic character, but on his terms—keeping Buddy’s magic alive while staying true to himself.