Will Ferrell Meets ‘Really Disturbing’ Life-Size Buddy the Elf: 'Someone Signed Off on That and It Wasn’t Me’

Mar. 15, 2025

Will Ferrell and Buddy the Elf.Photo:NBC

NBC

Will Ferrellfans were seeing double during his appearance on theTodayshow on Tuesday, Jan. 28.

Though he was there to promote his new comedyYou’re Cordially Invited, the actor’s Christmas comedyElfwas a hot topic, co-anchorsSavannah GuthrieandCraig Melvinasking Ferrell about reprising his role as Buddy the Elf at an NHL game back in December.

But then the two surprised theSaturday Night Livealum with a gift: his very own, 6-foot tall, talking Buddy the Elf decoration.

Only… Buddy’s face didn’t exactly look like Ferrell’s, and when its mouth moved as it spoke, many complained they found it a little unsettling.

Will Ferrell and Buddy the Elf.NBC

Ferrell, turns out, was one of those people. “That was really disturbing,” he told Guthrie and Melvin when he was asked about the decoration.

He went on to note that he wasn’t behind the manufacturing. “No, that’s just consumerism running amok,” Ferrell said, adding later, “Here’s what’s crazy, someone signed off on that, and it wasn’t me.”

The comedian’s distaste for the figure was only heightened whenTodaybrought Buddy the Elf out.

“Oh my God!” Ferrell, 57, screamed. “It’s Buddy the Elf the Ax-Murderer!”

“It’s chilling,” he continued. “Is this the Halloween show?”

Will Ferrell in ‘Elf’ (left) and the life-size Buddy the Elf figure.New Line/courtesy everett; the home depot

New Line/courtesy everett; the home depot

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Joking with Ferrell, Melvin told him “we wanted you to feel at home” while Guthrie noted, “Just a little something for you to take home today. We got you an extra seat on the flight!”

“I think that’ll fit in the overhead,” Ferrell teased.

Of course, it’s doubtful Ferrell will be taking that Buddy anywhere with him. After listening to more of the figure’s phrases, Ferrell stood up and pushed the decoration off the stage, saying, “Get out of here!”

Will Ferrell as Buddy in ‘Elf’ (2003).New Line/courtesy Everett Collection

New Line/courtesy Everett Collection

Despite turning down a sequel toElf, Ferrell told PEOPLE recently the Christmas comedy willalways have a place in his heart.

Noting that the film “really means so much to so many people,” Ferrell continued, “And not only during the holidays, but year-round. I have people come to me saying, ‘We watchElfonJuly 4th. We just love it.’ "

“So that’s what’s so great about what I get to do,” he added. “You never really have an idea of what’s going to land with people, and I love the fact that this movie continues to resonate in a way that’s pretty incredible.”

source: people.com