Before you start roasting New Line Cinema‘s chestnuts on an open fire, there are no official plans for an Elf remake or sequel. However, Elf‘s original casting director, Susie Farris, says she would “love to” work on a remake if the opportunity arises. While speaking with People for the 2003 holiday comedy’s 20th anniversary, Farris floated the name of another Saturday Night Live cast member to replace Will Ferrell for a potential remake. “Off the top of my head, I’m just going to say Bill Hader,” Farris told People. “I just think that he’s quirky and endearing and yeah, I’d like to see Bill Hader,” she added.
While I could see Hader playing Buddy the Elf in an Elf remake, the thought of an Elf remake makes me hesitate. The Jon Favreau-directed film is already a holiday classic. It performs like gangbusters around the holidays in physical media sales (those Walmart bargain bins are hoppin’ y’all) and television network screenings. Morbid curiosity could put asses in seats if a remake comes to theaters, but I think a theatrical re-release could do just as well.
While speaking with People, Farris commented on Ferrell’s unwillingness to return for a sequel. “I’ve read that Will felt like he gave this character all that he could give it,” she said. “I think if Will wanted to do a sequel, there would be a sequel,” Farris adds. “Creatively, I hope that he is very fulfilled in life, but I’d like him to do this.”
Regarding what an Elf sequel could entail, Farris says she could see Buddy and Jovie (Zooey Deschanel) as new parents living at the North Pole. The baby’s name would be Susie, and Farris says she could see Elle Fanning or McKenna Grace playing the part.
What do you think about Bill Hader playing Buddy for a would-be Elf remake? How about an Elf sequel starring Ferrell and Deschanel as parents to a teenage girl? I’d rather see a sequel than a remake, but I doubt Ferrell is game to stuff his mouth full of cotton balls and chug liters of pop again at his age. In the comments below, let us know what you think about this Elf madness.
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