Will Ferrell reportedly included a unique clause in his contract about a well-known actor he vowed never to work with again.
Will Ferrell’s Contract Clause That Stopped an ‘Elf’ Sequel
In Hollywood, unique contract clauses are nothing new, with stars securing everything from wardrobe guarantees to conditions about their characters’ fates. However, one reported clause from Will Ferrell has taken things to another level — and it’s something that directly affected the beloved holiday classic Elf.
The story behind this unusual clause came to light after the late James Caan opened up in a 2020 radio interview about the real reason Elf 2 never happened. According to Caan, the delay wasn’t just a matter of scheduling conflicts or creative differences — it was a rift between Ferrell and Elf director Jon Favreau. Despite all the main cast members, including Caan, Zooey Deschanel, and Mary Steenburgen, being eager to return for a sequel, Ferrell reportedly had a clause in his contract that prohibited him from working with Favreau again.
The tensions between the two men were reportedly so intense that Ferrell simply refused to return to the set. Caan revealed that Ferrell’s contract explicitly barred him from working with the director, leading to the cancellation of the sequel, despite the huge financial potential. In fact, Ferrell himself confirmed turning down a whopping £23 million offer for the sequel, admitting that promoting the movie “from an honest place” would’ve been impossible given his feelings about it.
While Ferrell has never directly acknowledged the contract clause, it’s clear that his decision was influenced by the complicated relationship with Favreau. This revelation adds another layer of intrigue to the Elf legacy and highlights just how much influence Hollywood stars can have when it comes to their working conditions.
In a town where even the most famous faces have unconventional requests in their contracts — from The Rock insisting on never losing a fight, to Queen Latifah ensuring her characters stay alive — Ferrell’s refusal to revisit Elf with Favreau is a unique example of how personal dynamics can impact big-budget decisions.
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