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Zooey Deschanel Says 'Elf' Role First Went to Katie Holmes Before She Took Over

In a new podcast interview, Deschanel recounts a relaxed chat with director Jon Favreau that preceded her casting after Katie Holmes exited.

Overview

  • Deschanel said on the Dec. 17 Call Her Daddy episode that Jon Favreau told her the part of Jovie had just been offered to Katie Holmes.
  • Holmes later dropped out due to a scheduling conflict, according to Deschanel, and producers returned to Deschanel for the role.
  • Believing she would not be cast, Deschanel described feeling unusually calm in the room, which she believes helped her meeting.
  • She noted the character was shaped around the performer and that her cabaret background led to Jovie’s singing being featured.
  • The anecdote, amplified by outlets on Dec. 22–23, revived earlier remarks that she was a backup choice and spurred fan discussion on Reddit.