But [my Elf character] is the ne plus ultra Santa, and all of the others were [in] preparation for this!. But anything for the movie, I'm there. Fun fact: Redbone also sings Baby, Its Cold Outside with Deschanel during the credits. Will Ferrell, Jon Favreau, and Joe MacLeod in "Elf," 2003. The actors literally only had one shot to bust it apart. The elves' costumes in Elf were inspired by those worn by Hermey and his peers in the animated film. "I don't like sitting around talking about all that acting crap," Caan told PEOPLE in 1975, "but I've always wanted to be respected by the people I respect. According to Pratchetts lore, octarine is the color of magic, so of course Buddy loves it! LaMarche shared his secret to such an impressive burp with The A.V. The boy is credited as Kid with Santa, but his real name is Paul Schofield. But Will would bust his balls a lot. But Caan alleged it was tension between Ferrell and Favreau that possibly squashed any plans for a follow-up. "I took a look at the script, and I wasn't particularly interested," he told Rolling Stone. The first one is a little bit slow, but the second two are really good.' The Academy Award-nominated star of The Godfather was hired to play Walter in part because Favreau wanted a stern persona to play against Ferrell's giddy Buddy, and Caan took the comedy of Elf seriously. Life & Style is part of the a360media Entertainment Group.Copyright a360media 2023. Will Ferrell and Jon Favreau in "Elf," 2003. Somehow, this film just became even more charming. 1. "I was raised in a Jewish family, and we celebrated Hanukkah but also had a Christmas tree. The actor played the chimney-climber several times, including in the TV movies The Story of Santa Claus, Christmas on the Bayou, and National Lampoons Christmas Vacation 2. When I realized that she had such a wonderful singing voice, we wrote that whole sequence in, Favreau said, adding that Ferrell was pretty good too. "One actress they were looking at was good at skateboarding," Deschanel said, and when the director found out Deschanel could sing, he added her now-iconic shower duet of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" with Buddy. Daniel was just 12 when he starred as Walters son in Elf. Entertainment Television, LLC A Division of NBCUniversal. Youre going to read an awful lot about Sonny Corleone over the next few days. Hanukkah is great but there's kind of nothing like rushing down on Christmas morning and opening up presents," he told Philadelphia City Paper in 2013. Scroll through the gallery to see what the cast looks like now! Visual effects teams hand painted changes on the North Pole set. The exterior of Walter and Emilys home is only shown briefly, but eagle-eyed viewers may have noticed it has been in a movie before. As Favreau explained to Rolling Stone, they made two sets, with Favreau on the one positioned closer to the camera, and lined them up so that it looked like Ferrell was sitting right next to the people on the other set. But she didn't dye her hair for this role. File photo of actor James Caan at his home in Los Angeles, Calif. On 9/29/88. crooning Baby, Its Cold Outside with Zooey Deschanels Jovie, declawing kittens in New York has been made illegal, he appears to be Wills real-life brother, 1960s movie from Roger Patterson and Bob Gimlin, concert in Central Park actually occurred in 1981. Whenever wed go into an Italian restaurant, theyd put on The Godfather soundtrack. Gale Sayers (Billy Dee Williams) comforts Brian Piccolo (James Caan) in 1971's "Brian's Song." Caan died July 6, 2022, at the age of 82. Macys has since been the go-to Christmas department store destination of late, with its extravagant holiday window displays attracting lots of onlookers. Before his big break on Saturday Night Live, Ferrell once worked as a mall Santa Claus in Pasadena, Calif., with his SNL co-star Chris Kattan serving as one of his elves. Am I biased? You can change your choices at any time by clicking on the 'Privacy dashboard' links on our sites and apps. 12. Voice actorMaurice LaMarche, best known forgiving life toThe Brainon Pinky and the Brain, provided the dinner table belch. Originally, the filmmakers wanted comic Garry Shandling, but when he declined, they went to the next obvious choice famous tough guy James Caan. We, Yahoo, are part of the Yahoo family of brands. The first script for Elf was actually written in 1993, with Jim Carreyin mind to play the titular Santa's helper. This explains why he's most proud of his cameo as Mr. Narwhal. And yes, we heard that. "It was a much darker version of the film. The director eventually cast him in 1972's The Godfather, earning Caan his sole Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. "That's probably my most famous role of anything I've ever done because that's the one that's on T-shirts and sweaters," he told ABC. Peter does a lot more producing than acting these days. Though his career was already impressive, he has only continued to cement himself as a comedy legend! In first drafts of Berenbaum's Elf script, Buddy's decision to seek out his dad was in part because he was being hassled by the actual elves for being different. Favreau's hugely popular (yet unknown) cameo. Originally cast as Michael . James Caan, the Academy Award-nominated actor best remembered for his roles in classics like The Godfather, Thief, Misery, and Brian's Song, passed away on July 8, 2022, leaving behind a body of . The Best James Caan Movies - MSN "He saw me when I was a little rough around the edges," James told PEOPLE at the time. The Godfather (1972) Caan immortalized himself in what would become his signature role as lovable hothead Santino "Sonny" Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola's Mafia epic. Great job,'" Ferrell recalled during an appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden in 2018. "I wanted some of the Christmas Story, that good mojo, that was our goal," he told Billingsley on ABC News. Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel have both paid a sweet tribute to their Elf co-star James Caan following the sad news that he had passed away on Wednesday . The horrifying laughter in the Jack-in-the-boxes that Buddy tests is actually from a classic Disney film. Aside from his acting career, Faizon is also a comedian. She was also excited to record a version with Leon Redbone, of whom she was a big fan. (AP: Paramount Pictures)Having earlier acted in 1969 Francis . TV credits included Back in the Game, Magic City and a starring role on . James Caan, 'The Godfather,' 'Elf' and 'Misery' star, dead at 82 Peter Billingsley, who memorably played the Red Ryder-wanting Ralphie in the 1983 holiday classic, popped in to play Ming the elf. It turned the lead from SNL alumnus into a movie star. 6. Actor James Caan at home playing a guitar on April 16,1970 in Hollywood, California. And then he just walked past. "Now, we're really best buddies. In 2006, Favreau told The A.V. But Macy's didn't like the idea that there was a fake Santa working there," Favreau said. Berenbaum also loved experiencing Christmas on the silver screen, and he counts It's a Wonderful Life as one of his all-time favorite films. Greg Doherty/Getty Images for The Salvation Army. James Caan's wife Linda Stokes, Director of the movie "Holy Lands" Amanda Sthers, Actor James Caan and . This included him leapfrogging across a pedestrian walk, happily accepting flyers, and getting his shoes shined, all of which made it into the movie's cheerful montage. In the years following Elf, Caan acted in films like Get Smart (2008), For the Love of Money (2012) and Holy Land (2019). When Im working with improv people, I give them the green light to just bring it and try things. While reporter Charlotte is interviewing people about seeing Santas sleigh in Central Park, a man takes over the interview by complimenting her. Meghan Markle's Mom Doria Reportedly Won't Be Spending Christmas With The Royals, Cheer or Fear? TIL: After filming ELF, Will Ferrell gave James Caan the - Reddit If you would like to customise your choices, click 'Manage privacy settings'. "I remember asking myself: could I withstand the criticism when it's bad and they say, 'He did the sequel for the money?'" Jason LaVerisGetty Images. It didnt sweep at Cannes; ponderous documentaries wont be made about it. Walter Hobbs is the deuteragonist of Elf and Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for ELF (InfiniFilm DVD, 2003) CHRISTMAS COMEDY WILL FERRELL JAMES CAAN ZOOEY at the best online prices at eBay! In an interview with EW 25 years after the film's release, Caan recalled sitting in the theater with Reiner and Stephen King, who penned the story, at the premiere. ", Though the comedian reprised the role of Ron Burgundy for Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues and returned as Mugatu in Zoolander 2, he flat out rejected the possibility of bringing back Buddy, even after being offered a reported $29 million. Meanwhile, Buddy is . And then they had to source all the bricks specially. As a writer/director/actor, Favreau has often appeared in his own films. She told Entertainment Weekly that Favreau wanted to tailor the character to whoever played her. Walter Hobbs | Elf Wiki | Fandom While most people know Favreau had a small role as the pediatrician who examines Buddy and confirms he's Walter's son, the director also had another part: He voiced the Narwhal who infamously said, "Bye Buddy, hope you find your dad!". So by the second weekend, Kattan had dropped the whole affectation he was doing and was like (Ferrell makes a face of bitter boredom), 'Santa's over there, kid.'". authenticate users, apply security measures, and prevent spam and abuse, and, display personalised ads and content based on interest profiles, measure the effectiveness of personalised ads and content, and, develop and improve our products and services. Buddy's biological father, Walter, is the workaholic, stone-faced foil to his eternally peppy personality. And as it turns out,Elf was his second screenplay the first, Christmas in New Jersey, was a Christmas rom-com. This meant the team relied on practical effects whenever possible. He was 82. 6. Santa, being the frequent sleigh flier that he is, gives Buddy some NYC spots to hit up, including Rays Pizza. He landed several acting roles later on, including in DisneysMuppets Haunted Mansion, which premiered in 2021. In the first preview screening, the movie ended with Buddy and Santa (Edward Asner) flying away from Central Park, with no Central Park singalong or reunion between Buddy and Walter. Although his role is uncredited . Beyond that, the snowmans name comes from his voice actor, Leon Redbone and Leon coincidentally spells Noel (aka Christmas in French) backward. But she told Variety that she was the backup choice to play the part, stepping in when the first-choice actress dropped out. It was one of those things.". However, when Buddy comes to New York, it was important to Favreau to shoot on location whenever possible. He was 82. Remembering James Caan - YouTube For more, watch the special "20/20 Presents: Lights, Camera, Christmas: Inside Holiday Movie Classics," on Wednesday, Nov. 22 at 10 p.m. We won't post to any of your accounts without asking first. James Caan, the Bronx-born, Queens-raised actor who starred in "The Godfather," "Elf," "Brian's Song," "El Dorado" and "Misery," among countless other films, has died. 4. However, he also touched on the pair's "dysfunctional" relationship: the elder Caan had five children with four wives and split from Scott's mom when he was a baby. Elf (2003) - IMDb Zooey was new on the scene back in 2003 when she was just 23, but shes quickly become one of Hollywoodsfave girls. This includes all the Manhattan exteriors, as well as scenes shot at Rockefeller Center, Central Park, and Central Park West, where Buddy's dad lives. . This newfound star status should've been good news for Elf. A revival hit in time for Christmas 2012, and national tours have been recurring. But as soon as I was done with that movie, I pretty much dyed it back.". However, he has made quick cameos in many Christmas movies. And his A Night at the Roxbury co-star Chris Kattan was his elf. People recognizing me from Saturday Night Live going, You OK? By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. James Caan Dies: 'The Godfather' Oscar Nominee, 'Brian's Song' & 'Elf According to Berg, on his first day on set, he gave a speech in which he asked to be called Jimmy the Dream. But he managed to make it work for most of the interior locations you see in the movie. Although his role is uncredited, Peter Billingsley plays Ming Ming and the actor is best known for being Ralphie in 1983s A Christmas Story. Billingsley also made a cameo in 'Elf'. He told Rolling Stone that it was an essential part of the movie'sretro Christmas feel, with a particular nod to Rankin/Bass. "Will has really good comedic concentration so he was able to stay in character the whole time, and we used what worked," Favreau told Rotten Tomatoes. But while youve probably seen this movie hundreds of times since it came out in 2003, you still likely missed these things while watching Elf. Aside from the jokes, the singing, the nostalgia and the quotable scenes, Favreau and producer Peter Billingsley spoke with "20/20" about some of the behind-the-scenes antics and stories from the set. Thats who you notice on the second watch. New Line Cinema. When you watch Elf for the umpteenth time this Christmas season, be on the lookout for these moments you missed. Its particularly striking given how picky he could be he rejected starring roles in Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Apocalypse Now, Blade Runner and Superman (because he didnt want to wear a cape), among others. He was an executive producer forF is for Familyon Netflix. See How the Kardashians Are Decorating for the Holidays, Heidi Klum Admits She Loves Going Topless: See Her Sexiest Photos Ever, Streaking, Nude Selfies, Oh My! Producer Jon Berg said it was actually comedian Wanda Sykes who was slated to play the manager, but she dropped out at the last minute. He added, [Jon] Favreau knew Faizon Love and called him up and he came in and did us a solid. Mystery solved. Ferrell even joked (hopefully) that they couldn't afford fake gum for that scene outside the subway station. A Buzzfeed employee picked up on an adorable fact about Buddy and Jovies babys name at the end of the film. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. and "You sit on a throne of lies! He was a lot of fun. Apparently, one of the hospital buildings was still operational and had patients at the time of filming. Will Ferrell drew viewers in as the iconic Buddy the Elf in 2003's Elf . Back in 2003, Peter was relatively unknown when he played the mean author Miles Finch. "If it takes eating a lot of maple syrup, then I will if that's what the job calls for.". As producer Cale Boyter told Netflix, "Legally, we thought we had made a deal, and everything was cool." "I was really lucky that my job in the film was to try to drive him crazy, and I would," Ferrell explained to Blackfilm. As Berenbaum told Philadelphia City Paper, "I don't think we'd be talking about the movie now if Will didn't commit to play Buddy the elf, 'cause I can't really imagine anyone else on the planet playing that role at this point.". Will is still consistently acting in hilarious comedies like Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, which came out in 2020. The wardrobe department even mimicked the famous puppet-like costumes with permission for Buddy, Santa and the other elves. ELF (InfiniFilm DVD, 2003) CHRISTMAS COMEDY WILL FERRELL JAMES CAAN Jon was the director of Elf, but he also played the doctor who sees Buddy. My goal is to do good work and not quit trying.". "I just love the thought that there we were, working every day and he was going back to his hotel room going, 'Please get me outta this one.'". "We kept him laughing, and he kept us laughing. The headlines youll read this week will likely focus on The Godfather. But every December and maybe even July well be focused on Elf, waiting for the moment when Caans Walter puts on that Santa coat and begrudgingly belts Santa Claus Is Comin to Town.. It's unlikely that we'll get to see an Elf 2, at least not one that stars Will Ferrell. The friendly game becomes unintentionally violent when the too-big Buddy takes to the ice. In the scene where Buddy suffers as a toy tester, he's subjected to popping open an endless stream of menacing jack-in-the-boxes. 2018!). And in that, they succeeded. He also voiced the rabid raccoon Buddy encounters. We were half-joking, saying, 'Maybe someday this will be like [A] Christmas Story where every year you'll watch it, because there are a few movies that get to be part of that cycle, Favreau said. 10. Favreau recruited the Chiodo brothers to film the sequences, whose resume included effects for the Gremlins movies and sequences in The Simpsons. But anything for the movie, I'm there. Of course. 'Elf' Cast: Where Are They Now? - People 8 Jul 2022. Picturing anyone other than Will Ferrell (or an actual elf) pulling off Buddy's unbridled Christmas spirit, hopeless naivete, and yellow tights is almost impossible now. Anyone else notice that Michael and Buddys water glasses were empty at dinner? Well, believe it or not, the film actually debuted on Nov. 7, 2003 and yes, that comes out to a whole 18 years ago! James Caan, the Oscar-nominated star of The Godfather, Misery and Elf, has died at the age of 82. James Caan says there wont be a sequel to the hit Christmas fantasy-comedy "Elf" because headliner Will Ferrell and director Jon Favreau . Favreau realized Deschanels Doris Day-type voice would help break her cold character, who spends much of the film not feeling the Christmas spirit. It was hilarious because little kids could care less about the elf. But the second best way is to enjoy Elf. Nowadays, Favreau is a big-time director with films like Iron Man and The Jungle Book under his belt. Gimbels Santa and Buddy had one take to film the North Pole fight scene. Instead of smiling and crawling as needed, they cried relentlessly. We would have an onset painter go in and the cinematographer would say, In the back, the background's the floor is too dark compared to the foreground, and a painter would go in and lighten, he added. "He said he wasn't a singer," Deschanel said, adding, "I should've known he'd be secretly good!" "We were gonna do it, and I thought, 'Oh my God, I finally have a franchise movie. Okay, technically it was an abandoned mental hospital, where the production team constructed the interior sets for Walter's Central Park West apartment, Gimbels's lavish toy department, and that grim prison cell. Though it was shot, it ended up being chopped from the finished film. Edward Chiodo told Art of the Title. James Caan Remembered by Adam Sandler, Rob Reiner and More: 'Best of the Best', All About James Hong, 94-Year-Old 'Everything Everywhere' Star Who Got Standing Ovation at SAG Awards. Will Ferrell, Kristian Ayre, Peter Billingsley, and David Avalon in "Elf," 2003. 8 things you never knew about the Christmas movie 'Elf' Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? And dont feel bad Buddy would have missed these subtleties, too. Elf became an instant Christmas classic when it was released on Nov. 8, 2003, and it's now a movie everyone . "I had to dye my hair blonde for a screen test for a movie that never happened before I did Elf. This was back when the pair were pre-Saturday Night Live, and part of The Groundlings comedy troupe. But the director said lining up a large set and small set required extremely precise lighting to control continuity between the appearance of both the background and foreground. After taking a brief break from the spotlight and struggling with various legal issues, depression and drugs Caan returned in pal Rob Reiner's terrifying Misery in 1990. From hair trends to relationship advice, our daily newsletter has everything you need to sound like a person whos on TikTok, even if you arent. "We shot right up until we destroy the place," Lange told ABC News. (But people in those scenes did have to sign releases.) Buddy used his elf training to construct it overnight, but it took the production team two weeks. Inspired by the Christmas specials he grew up with, Favreau explained in the film's commentary track that he employed old techniques instead of CGI whenever possible. Speaking to The Guardian about his decision the following year, Ferrell admitted that it was a lot of money but said he had no regrets. "We had one take to destroy it," Lange told ABC News, "So Favreau said, 'Just go nuts! Rather than standard jack-in-the-boxes that would pop at the song's end, these were remote controlled by Favreau, who purposely manipulated their timing to toy with his star and get authentic reactions. James Caan, the tough leading man who portrayed the explosively violent and oldest of Vito Corleones sons in The Godfather, died on July 6 at 82. James Caan, as Buddy's biological father Walter, often seems uncomfortable as if he felt ill at ease on the set and used that feeling in his . The interaction between Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf and Artie Lange, as the department store Santa who smells like beef and cheese, was mostly improvised over several takes, Favreau said. All Rights Reserved, Please note that this form cannot be used to reset your Google, The Most Iconic Christmas Movie Quotes Will Have You Feeling Festive, Merry ~Kristmas~! Caan met a new generation of fans when he played the straight-and-narrow biological father to Will Ferrell's Buddy in 2003's Elf. Among his many enduring roles which include Chicago Bears running back Brian Piccolo in 1971s Brians Song, the debt-ridden English professor in the original 1974 version of The Gambler and the heroic Staff Sergeant Dohun in 1977s World War II epic A Bridge Too Far Sonny is the one average filmgoers will probably remember 50 years from now. "But it was out-and-out luck.". He had it in his contract. So, the Chiodos ramped up their schedule. Why did you do that one about the elf? Will Ferrell and Faizon Love in "Elf," 2003. Favreau said the team approached Macy's asking to use their store, which he thought seemed like be a natural fit for the movie, but Macy's declined. the New Girl star told Stylecaster. Just cruel enough to end up on the naughty list, but just empathetic enough to pull himself off it after a little help from the family he loves, often despite himself. Following a theater apprenticeship, he moved on to television guest spots and a role in The Rail People that earned him the eye of one Francis Ford Coppola. . Photos from 19 Secrets About Elf Revealed - E! Online If it takes eating a lot of maple syrup, then I will, if that's what the job calls for.". Sadly, Ed died on August 29, 2021. I constantly stayed up. People would be looking at him walking on the side and that would cause a few minor traffic accidents.". 1. You probably have never paid attention to Amy Sedaris characters phone conversation when Buddy first arrives at his fathers office, but Deb has some truly questionable weekend plans. The first one is a little bit slow, but the second two are really good." . Smiling's my favorite! That fear didnt last. Elf (2003) photos, including production stills, premiere photos and other event photos, publicity photos, behind-the-scenes, and more. Born in the Bronx in 1940, he emerged as a virile leading man in the 1970s. Elf: Directed by Jon Favreau. Im not the least bit embarrassed by this, nor should you be if youre in the same camp. Movie tough guy James Caan, whose work spanned generations in such big-screen classics as "The Godfather," "Misery" and "Elf," died Wednesday, his family said. Amy played the secretary Deb, who was the perfect opposite of Walters grouchy personality. We remember Favreau on screen as the doctor that administers Buddy's DNA . For that role, he earned an Emmy nomination. Eventually, something just clicked in Jimmy and he just went with it. Thats probably my most famous role of anything Ive ever done because thats the one thats on T-shirts and sweaters, Favreau told 20/20 in 2017. James Caan Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images Ming Ming the elf is played by A Christmas Story star Peter Billingsley in a cameo role, a casting move Favreau made for a specific reason. It's an uncredited role, but between the glasses and those bright baby blue eyes, Billingsley stands out as an A Christmas Story Easter egg. In December of 2013, he told USA TODAY, "I just think it would look slightly pathetic if I tried to squeeze back in the elf tights: Buddy the middle-aged elf.". Mary Steenburgen, who played Buddy's stepmother, had to eat a bite of syrup-covered spaghetti and pretend to like it for Buddy's sake. Details, Why Did Taylor and Joe Break Up? If youre a child of the 90s and 2000s, it probably feels like just yesterday that you were cracking up watching Will Ferrells hilarious adventure to find his dad in the holidayclassic, Elf, for the first time. On the first watch, you notice Will Ferrells Buddy the Elf. 11. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Rusty Smith told Netflix that after Favreau had finished his cut, the studio tried to reshape the movie into an adult comedy. "People would be on the phone, they'd be sitting at the desk cutting up paper, cutting out little dolls, cutting out little curlicues to make snowflakes," Smith said. I create a huge echo chamber with my tongue and my cheeks, and by doing a deep, almost Tuvan rasp in my throat, and bouncing it around off this echo chamber, I create something that sounds very much like a sustained deep burp. This was the last set piece shot for Elf, and one that filmmakers were wavering on from its conception late in production. 16. "Thankfully, we had some pretty smart people who could figure it out," Boyter coyly put it to Netflix. Although no Gimbels existed when Elf was made, Gimbels was a real store that shut down in 1986, and it was featured prominently as Macys competitor in the original Miracle on 34th Street. No wonder Buddy feels the need to drink a whole 2-liter of Coke at dinner at his dads house hes thirsty. Ferrell later told Rotten Tomatoes that it was when he saw the original ending at the LA premiere that he knew the movie was special. Pitting the capital-S Serious actor against Ferrells manic creation was part of director Jon Favreaus plan, though it made for a nervous crew. "were improvised by Ferrell in the moment. Favreau panicked that if he showed a cut of the movie without the as-yet-incomplete stop-motion scenes, the studio wouldn't let him add them in later. He was a lot of fun.". The film also stars Zooey Deschanel, James Caan, Mary Steenburgen, and Edward Asner. "It was very comforting to write a Christmas movie when you miss the snow, and there's a heatwave outside." The department store Santa actor said one day he was sitting in wardrobe when Ferrell walked by in his Buddy costume and, knowing the building's history, Lange had a good laugh about it. Elf proved to be a big break for Zooey Deschanel, who played down-on-Christmas department store elf Jovie, whom Buddy falls in love with. But when Elfwas moving into production, he was considered a wildly improbable choice for the character. Caans character in the 2003 family-friendly holiday comedy Elf might not be the first thing that sprung to the minds of most film critics when his death was announced, but its certainly the one occupying my mind. The sprawling department store that takes up a whole block in Manhattan was digitally altered to transform into Elf's Gimbels. Buddy sure has the same stride as the mythical creature. Despite Elf's success, there's a lump of coal to go with the Christmas joy. He preferred to keep the North Pole characters warm, even when Buddy bugs them.

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