Book Research Reveals Andy Richter’s Almost Chris Farley Elf and 2 Scrapped Sequels

Farley was once attached

Richter, who played Morris in Elf, spent two years researching the film and interviewing people involved in its making. He said he had not known Chris Farley was once attached to the project.

Richter said he could not tell how firm Farley’s involvement was. The script moved among studios and producers for years before the film was made. Richter thought Farley could have played Buddy successfully, though he said the outcome would have depended in part on the director. He described the finished film as shaped by the combination of Jon Favreau and Will Ferrell.

Ferrell won the role

Ferrell was not an easy choice for everyone in Hollywood, despite his success on Saturday Night Live. Richter said New Line’s Kent Alterman championed Ferrell and fought to put him in the film.

A raunchier version considered

During filming, Ferrell’s comedy Old School arrived in theaters, prompting a discussion about whether Buddy’s story should include more frat-boy humor. Richter said some people thought the film might benefit from a raunchier tone.

The account also says two sequels were discussed but never made it to the screen. Richter’s book explores the abandoned ideas alongside the film’s casting and creative decisions.