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Zooey Deschanel Says 'Elf' Role Was First Offered to Katie Holmes

Deschanel recalls that a low-pressure chat with director Jon Favreau and her cabaret singing experience later helped her secure the part.

Overview

  • Deschanel said on a Dec. 17 Call Her Daddy podcast episode that director Jon Favreau told her the role of Jovie had just been offered to Katie Holmes.
  • Entertainment outlets report Holmes exited over a scheduling conflict tied to the period when Dawson’s Creek was concluding, reopening the part.
  • Deschanel described an informal meeting with Favreau during her initial visit that made her memorable when the role became available again.
  • She said filmmakers incorporated her singing into Jovie, noting her cabaret background helped shape the character’s musical moments.
  • The anecdote spurred wide pickup and fan discussion online, and in a new People interview Deschanel said she probably wouldn’t rewatch Elf with her children.