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Andy Richter Reveals the ‘Elf’ We Almost Got With Chris Farley and 2 Scrapped Sequels
Andy Richter’s research for his book about *Elf* has uncovered how different the 2003 Christmas film might have been, including alternative casting and abandoned sequel plans. He says the released film benefited from the combination of Will Ferrell and director Jon Favreau.
Chris Farley was attached to an earlier version of the project, though Richter does not know how firm that involvement was. Will Ferrell also faced doubts from some Hollywood figures, while Katie Holmes was offered the role of Jovie and Selma Blair was considered for a skateboard-riding version of the character; Zooey Deschanel ultimately played her.
In short
- Chris Farley was once attached to an earlier version of *Elf*.
- Will Ferrell faced resistance before landing the lead role.
- Katie Holmes and Selma Blair were considered for Jovie.
Explained simply
Elf is a 2003 Christmas comedy about Buddy, a human raised by elves who travels to New York to find his biological father. Will Ferrell plays Buddy, and Jon Favreau directed the film; Zooey Deschanel plays Jovie, a woman Buddy meets in the city.
The film’s route to the screen involved changing ideas about its cast and story. Chris Farley was linked to an earlier version, while Katie Holmes was offered the role of Jovie and Selma Blair was considered for a different version of the character. The film became a lasting holiday favourite, and its success shaped discussion of plans for further films.