‘Elf’ star James Caan says sequel was never made because Will Ferrell and Jon Favreau ‘didn’t get along’

Fans have been calling for a sequel to the hit Christmas flick since it was released in 2003

Elf star James Caan has revealed that a sequel to the hit film was not made because Will Ferrell and director Jon Favreau “didn’t get along very well”.

Since its release in 2003, Elf has been a family favourite every Christmas so the absence of a sequel has always been questioned by fans.  

Speaking on the radio show The Fan in Cleveland, Caan, who played selfish businessman Walter, divulged why Elf 2 will never be made. The actor claimed that Favreau – who has also acted in features including Chef, Iron Man and The Mandalorian – and Ferrell did not get along during shooting.

The Misery actor said: “We were gonna do it, and I thought ‘Oh my God, I finally have a franchise movie. I can make some money, let my kids do what the hell they want to do.’

“The director and Will didn’t get along very well. Will wanted to do it, and he didn’t want the director. He had it in his contract. It was one of those things.”

Jon Favreau in Iron Man (Marvel/Disney)

Ferrell has previously been candid about his unwillingness to return for an Elf sequel, stating that he would not reprise his role as the beloved elf Buddy regardless of how much money was on offer.