Will Ferrell has admitted he had doubts over how successful Elf would be.
We know, we cant believe it either.
Playing Buddy the Elf in the 2003 modern Christmas classic was one of Wills earliest film roles after a seven-year comedy stint on Saturday Night Live, and was largely what propelled him to international fame.
Though the movie is now regarded as one of the best Christmas films of all time, the Anchorman star revealed he initially feared the larger-than-life character of Buddy would be make or break for his budding acting career.
The first two weeks of shooting were kind of all the exteriors in New York. So, still kind of discovering what this movies gonna be and running around New York City in yellow tights, Will explained on Thursdays episode of The Late Late Show With James Corden.
People recognising me from Saturday Night Live going, “You OK? Whats going on?”
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And thinking to myself, this is either going to be a home run or people are going to go, “Whatever happened to you? Why did you do that one about the Elf?
In reality, the film went on to gross a cool $220 million (£173 million) worldwide and even inspired 2010 Broadway musical Elf: The Musical. So, yeah, it a pretty big success.
Or in Wills words: It was just obviously one of those where the stars aligned and 15 years later, its crazy.
During the chat, Will also described working with co-star James Caan – who played his birth father in the film – as a pinch me moment.
However, he added that the 78-year-old might not have viewed him so favourably in the beginning and had a hilarious confession at the films premiere.
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Hes like, “Hey, I gotta tell you something. Every day on set I thought you were way too over the top, but now I see what you were doing. Great job,” Will recalled, laughing.
I just love the thought that there we were, working every day, and hes going back to his hotel room going, “Geez, get me out of this one.” That was fun.
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