Will Ferrell Revives Buddy the Elf for Hockey Night

Fans of the iconic Christmas comedy Elf got an unexpected holiday treat when actor Will Ferrell reprised his role as Buddy the Elf during a hockey game. Ferrell attended the December 29th matchup between the Los Angeles Kings and the Philadelphia Flyers sporting Buddy’s unmistakable green-and-yellow elf suit, bringing a dose of festive nostalgia to the rink.

Buddy the Elf Hits the Ice

Known for his enthusiastic support of the Los Angeles Kings, Ferrell took his fandom to a whole new level by donning the costume of his beloved Elf character. However, this Buddy seemed a bit different from the wide-eyed optimist fans remember. Ferrell was spotted watching the game with a cigarette in hand, jokingly reflecting a “rough holiday season” when speaking to FanDuel Sports Network broadcaster Carrlyn Bathe.

Buddy has had a rough festive period (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

“He’s looking for a Kings win,” Ferrell quipped, staying fully in character while watching the game unfold.

The Legacy of Buddy the Elf

Ferrell’s portrayal of Buddy the Elf in the 2003 holiday classic Elf solidified his place as one of the most memorable Christmas characters in film history. The film’s success was largely driven by Ferrell’s comedic energy as Buddy, a human raised by Santa’s elves who embarks on a heartfelt journey to reconnect with his biological father.

The combination of Ferrell’s performance and his chemistry with co-star James Caan created a unique dynamic that resonated with audiences worldwide.

A Peek Behind the Scenes of Elf

While Elf is cherished for its heartwarming humor, Ferrell has previously shared amusing anecdotes about his interactions with James Caan during filming. Appearing on the MeSsy Podcast with Christina Applegate and Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Ferrell revealed that Caan—who played Buddy’s skeptical father—initially found his comedy perplexing.

“James Caan—may he rest in peace—would tease me during filming,” Ferrell said. “He’d tell me, ‘I don’t get you. You’re not funny.’ And I’d just agree, saying, ‘I know! I’m not Robin Williams.’”

Ferrell added that Caan’s annoyance with his on-set antics may have actually enhanced their dynamic. “He wasn’t acting half the time. He was truly annoyed with me,” Ferrell laughed.

However, after filming wrapped, Caan admitted he had underestimated Ferrell’s approach. “He told me, ‘I thought everything you did while we were filming was way too over-the-top. But watching it now, I see it worked perfectly,’” Ferrell recalled.

Ferrell dressed up as Buddy as he watched hockey (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Why the Suit Still Fits

Ferrell’s decision to revisit Buddy the Elf for the hockey game reflects the enduring appeal of the character. Two decades after Elf debuted, the movie remains a holiday staple, beloved by families for its humor, heart, and timeless Christmas spirit.

For Ferrell, dressing up as Buddy isn’t just a throwback to one of his most iconic roles—it’s a way to bring joy and laughter to fans during the holiday season, proving that Buddy’s infectious cheer never goes out of style.

A Festive Night at the Rink

Ferrell’s surprise appearance as Buddy the Elf brought holiday magic to the Los Angeles Kings game and reminded fans of the joy that Elf has provided for over 20 years. Whether on the big screen or at a hockey game, Buddy’s spirit continues to light up the season, proving that even during a “tough holiday season,” there’s always room for a little Christmas cheer.

Featured Image Credit: (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)