Buddy the Elf has seen better days. After going viral for reincarnating the title character from 2003’s Elf - as a beer-drinking and cigarette-smoking brooder, no less - Will Ferrell explained the thought and preparation process behind the stunt.

Will Ferrell was hilariously dressed as Buddy the Elf in the stands at an NHL hockey game, looking grumpy and pretending to smoke a cigarette. He first appeared as the character in 2003 family movie,

Will Ferrell attended the Kings-Flyers game at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena Sunday dressed up as his iconic character from the beloved 2003 holiday movie “Elf,” and Buddy was looking a little worse for the wear this time.

Will Ferrell explains recent appearance as disheveled Buddy the Elf at Los Angeles Kings hockey game where he drank beer and smoked candy cigarettes.

Ferrell's high energy performance as Buddy in Elf helped carry the film, although paired with his late co-star James Caan, who played Buddy's dad, a perfect combo was reached. Caan passed away in 2022, while Bob Newhart, who played Papa Elf, also died in July last year.