Will Ferrell's Beer-Drinking, Cigarette-Smoking Buddy the Elf Stunt Goes Viral

The actor revealed his spontaneous decision to portray a disheveled version of his iconic character during a Los Angeles Kings hockey game.

Will Ferrell appeared at a December 2024 LA Kings game dressed as a scruffy, beer-drinking, cigarette-smoking version of Buddy the Elf, sparking widespread attention online.
The stunt was not tied to any promotional effort but stemmed from Ferrell's humorous idea to test audience reactions while sitting near the glass as a season ticket holder.
Ferrell explained that he imagined Buddy the Elf as being 'laid off from the North Pole,' adding a comedic twist to the beloved character from the 2003 holiday film 'Elf.'
The viral moment drew mixed reactions from fans and commentators, with some jokingly dubbing this version of Buddy a 'South Pole elf.'
Despite the public's fascination, Ferrell reiterated his continued refusal to participate in an official 'Elf' sequel, citing concerns over rehashing the original film's premise.