“I just Elf-ed you”: Ryan Reynolds Recalls the Most Difficult Challenge He Had To Face While Filming ‘Spirited’ With Will Ferrell

While the slate for this year’s Christmas isn’t as enthralling as the summer, which witnessed several acclaimed gems, fans can always revert back to some of the most beloved Christmas classics from the past. And certainly one of the top picks in most fans’ watchlists will be Will Ferell’s Elf, whose legacy made Ryan Reynolds’ job in 2022’s Spirited harder.

Directed by Instant Family creator Sean Anders, Spirited opened to decent critical reception back in 2022, which starred Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell at the forefront. Reynolds, who expressed that it was a dream come true to be able to work alongside the Barbie Star, revealed he had a hard time working on the movie, as he couldn’t stop himself from impersonating Ferrell’s Buddy.

Also read: Amy Poehler & Will Ferrell Were Bitter Enemies for Years after She Spread Humiliating Rumor about Him

Ryan Reynolds’ Job Became Exponentially Harder in Spirited Because of Will Ferrell’s Legacy

Will Ferrell‘s impact on the modern comedy landscape is second to none. And throughout his career, the actor has pumped out some acclaimed Christmas releases, including Elf, which is perhaps one of his most beloved works to date. However, the acclaimed comedy’s legacy would go on to generate some major challenges for his Spirited Costar Ryan Reynolds, as he couldn’t help but do an impression of Ferrell’s iconic character to Ferrell on set. Speaking on The Tonight Show, the Deadpool Star recalled being embarrassed and being, “I Just Elf-ed you [Ferrell]”.

“I don’t know that you find a comedic actor that has contributed more to the modern comedy lexicon than Will Ferrell. […] The hardest challenge of ‘Spirited’ wasn’t just the singing and dancing and all that other stuff, it was to not do an impression of Will Ferrell to [f***ing] Will Ferrell.”

While the musical comedy isn’t exactly the best Christmas movie out there, following the duo’s comedic prowess, the Ryan Reynolds-led Spirited does present itself as a worthy watch on holidays.

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Will Ferrell Assumed His Career Might End After Elf

Before Elf hit the big screens and cemented itself as the go-to-watch for the happiest time of the year, Will Ferrell revealed he wasn’t sure if the brand of comedy they were going for would land with fans. Following the doubts that clouded his mind during its production, Ferrell assumed this might “be the last movie I ever make”. He told Sky News,

“No, I’m extremely flattered – when I think and talk about Elf and think about from when we shot the movie, and I literally had moments on that set thinking this could be the last movie I ever make in the sense that: ‘Oh, is anyone going to think this is funny? Is this just going to be weird? A guy running around as an elf?’

Also read: Mark Wahlberg Openly Threatened To Physically Harm Will Ferrell, Claimed He Was “Really Upset” After Learning About Their Kids Getting Involved

But the Zoolander Star’s doubts couldn’t have been further from the reality, as apart from becoming a Christmas classic, which brightens up the Christmas mood every year, it also made over $220M.

Spirited is available to stream on Apple TV.

Elf is available to stream on Max.