Actor Will Ferrell delighted fans by attending an NHL game dressed as Buddy the Elf, his iconic character from the beloved holiday film, Elf. The event took place on Sunday at the Crypto.com Arena during the match between the Los Angeles Kings and the Philadelphia Flyers, where Ferrell's portrayal of Buddy showcased a much darker side to the character.

Dressed in a green suit with the signature pointed hat, Ferrell appeared on the big screen but seemed far from the joyful character fans remember. Sporting a five o’clock shadow and a frown, Buddy was seen holding a beer and what looked like an unlit cigarette, embodying an older, more cynical version of the cheerful elf ([CNN](https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/30/entertainment/will-ferrell-buddy-elf-kings/index.html)). According to reports from sports broadcaster Carrlyn Bathe, Buddy expressed that he was having a "tough holiday season" and was simply "looking for a Kings win."

The Kings recognized Ferrell’s presence with an enthusiastic social media post stating, “BUDDY THE ELF IS OFFICIALLY IN #HOCKEYWOOD,” further underlining the character's unique, albeit sarcastic, charm at sporting events ([LA Times](https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2024-12-30/will-ferrell-elf-kings-flyers)). The contrast between the cutesy, childlike Buddy we know and this disheveled version was striking and offered humor as well as commentary on perhaps how life takes its toll even on the most cheerful of characters.

Ferrell's original portrayal in the 2003 film, which has become a holiday staple, is of a human raised among elves who ventures to New York City to find his father and spread joy. However, it seems that the version of him seen at the game was somewhat nostalgic for the simpler, more innocent days of his past ([USA Today](https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2024/12/30/will-ferrell-elf-movie-buddy-nhl-game/77318562007/)). As the Kings secured a 5-4 victory that night, it remains to be seen when the next cheerful incarnation of Buddy will appear.