Since its release 20 years ago, people have fully embraced Jon Favreau’s Christmas film, “Elf.” And over the past couple of decades, the fanbase for “Elf” has continued to grow with new kids discovering it every year. This has led to a constant question of whether or not Favreau will reteam with Will Ferrell for a sequel to the film. It seems like a no-brainer in an industry where anything popular is squeezed for every last dollar, no matter the creative failings. Well, in the case of “Elf,” it appears that the film is going to continue to be a one-and-done experience.
READ MORE: Will Ferrell Walked Away From $29 Million For ‘Elf 2’ Because The Script Was “Not Good”
Speaking to Variety, in honor of his receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Jon Favreau talked about the success of “Elf” and why he doesn’t feel like the film needs a sequel.
“That was our goal, that we could be part of that pantheon of classics that families watch together every year,” Favreau explained. “We really embraced making it feel like it could air right alongside ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ or ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’ It felt old even when it first came out, because of the stop-motion animation, the themes, the music, John Debney’s beautiful score and, of course, Will Ferrell at the center of it, bringing so much humanity and humor to it.”
He continued, “I think there’s always room for new Christmas movies; that particular film, I don’t know what story would be told after that. It’s very complete.”
As mentioned, there seems to be an annual revival of interest in an “Elf” sequel, as each Christmas approaches. And it would really be a massive film if it is ever made. The goodwill surrounding the original just keeps growing with each passing year. However, if Favreau thinks the story has been told and doesn’t have a good enough reason to make a sequel, you can’t help but be a bit relieved. Finally, there’s an example of a massively popular film that has only grown over the years, spawned a huge merch empire, and is in constant rotation every holiday, but without a subpar sequel or spinoff greenlit just for the sake of making a quick buck.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the reports of an “Elf” sequel that was in the works years ago. However, depending on who you believe, either the script sucked or Favreau and Ferrell were feuding. Either way, it didn’t get made.
Currently, Favreau is really busy making a dozen or so “Star Wars” TV shows. So, unless the “Elf” sequel can tie in with “The Mandalorian,” it would appear the project is definitely not happening.