Favreau also found that in all the classics, through the experiences and the challenges faced by the main characters, they come through it changed. "And that change ends up serving the whole society they live in and making them beloved by the society," he continues. "It engenders a tremendous sense of community."
As Favreau prepared the film, he became certain of one aspect of Elf that he would dedicate himself to – he wanted it to be a family film in the truest sense of the word. "I felt that the world needed something positive, something that helped put a nicer energy out there," he notes. "I think people really hunger for messages of hope. It’s a very confusing time now, so it’s nice to put something out there that’s a little simpler."
With the lead actor and the director in place, the filmmakers turned their attention to the task of casting, with significant input from Ferrell and Favreau. Both had the idea for a Santa with a little bit of an edge. "Wouldn’t it be great to have a no-nonsense Santa who is a little bit streetwise but still has a place within him that is very soft and sweet?" Ferrell muses.
The same principle applied to the part of Papa Elf. "I think Ed Asner to play Santa Claus and Bob Newhart to play Papa Elf were literally the first people we ever talked about," Ferrell adds. "They’re great comedic legends and were everything we hoped for -- being able to mention their names to other people and see their eyes light up."
Director Favreau shared Ferrell's enthusiasm for casting ideas for Santa and Papa Elf. Edward Asner and Bob Newhart, whom generations grew up with on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "The Bob Newhart Show", respectively, "instantly give the film a nostalgic feel," he says. "I wanted the North Pole to feel very familiar." The art direction, the animation, the way the film’s laid out, the costumes—all conspire to evoke a nostalgic feeling and a familiarity.
In Hollywood, it’s often a scenario of "who you know," and this proved true for getting Newhart – though not through the usual channels. "My daughter-in-law is a doctor," explains Newhart. "And Jon’s wife is a doctor. They interned together, so they knew each other. I met her before I met Jon, when my grandson William had his second birthday. I knew of Jon’s work. And when my kids heard his name they said, ‘Wow, you’ve got a chance to work with Jon Favreau?’ That and I have five grandchildren. I can’t wait for them to see me as an elf."
The team then turned to another screen legend, James Caan, as their first choice for the part of Walter. Caan, on the other hand, wasn’t so quick to accept. "Not that I’m pompous," laughs Caan, "but when my agent said Elf, I said ‘Elf?!’ Don’t even send it.’ But I read it and it was really very funny."
Caan also points out that "of the seventy-some movies I’ve done, I’ve never done one with Santa Claus. It was exciting. My kids were saying ‘Wow, Dad’s doing a picture where he doesn’t kill eight people by page eleven.’ Ninety-five percent of the scripts I get it’s always, you know, I’m beating the hell out of somebody."
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