THEN AND NOW: The cast of 'Elf' 17 years later

Marilyn La JeunesseDec 23, 2020, 01:08 IST

It's been over a decade since "Elf" hit theaters.New Line Cinerma/Tommaso Boddi /Getty Images

The beloved holiday movie "Elf" was released in 2003.
The film featured Will Ferrell, who went on to appear in many other projects like "Anchorman" and "Step Brothers."
Zooey Deschanel starred on the series "New Girl" shortly after "Elf" debuted.
Peter Dinklage became a well-known actor after playing Tyrion Lannister on "Game of Thrones."

Since its release in 2003, "Elf" has remained one of the most popular and beloved Christmas movies of all time.

Big-name actors like Will Ferrell and James Caan lent their talents to the film, and then-newbies like Peter Dinklage and Zooey Deschanel made waves with their performances.

Here's what the cast of "Elf" has been up to in the 17 years since the film debuted:

Ferrell starred in "Elf" the same year "Old School" premiered.

Will Ferrell had recently left "Saturday Night Live" before starring in "Elf." Warner Home Video

Ferrell's career has seen lots of success post-"Elf."

Will Ferrell has been in many movies since. Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty

Deschanel wasn't the first choice to play Jovie.

Zooey Deschanel believes she got the role because of her singing ability. New Line Cinema

Deschanel became the star of a popular TV show a few years later.

Zooey Deschanel had a seven-season run as Jess Day on "New Girl." Timothy Hiatt/Getty

Caan was a seasoned actor before joining the cast of "Elf."

James Caan had been in the business for a long time. New Line Cinema

Caan remembers "Elf" as one of his favorite comedies that he's worked on.

James Caan has been involved in lots of different projects. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Bob Newhart was also a well-known actor when "Elf" was released.

Bob Newhart had his own TV show in the 1970s. Warner Brothers

Newhart has continued to act.

Bob Newhart appeared in "Horrible Bosses" after "Elf." Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Mary Steenburgen was an Academy Award winner prior to "Elf."

Mary Steenburgen had received an Academy Award before her role in "Elf." New Line Cinema

Steenburgen would star alongside Ferrell again in 2008.

Mary Steenburgen was in the 2020 holiday film "Happiest Season." Dominik Bindl/Getty Images

"Elf" was Daniel Tay's second movie.

Daniel Tay was just starting out in the film industry when he appeared in "Elf." New Line Cinema

Tay hasn't appeared in any films since 2007.

Daniel Tay went on to graduate from Yale. Kevin Kane/Getty Images for Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation

Dinklage wasn't too well-known before "Elf."

Peter Dinklage played Miles Finch in "Elf." New Line Cinemas

Dinklage went on to star on the hit HBO show "Game of Thrones."

Peter Dinklage is known for his role on HBO's "Game of Thrones." John Nacion/STAR MAX/IPx

Ed Asner had an impressive career before "Elf."

Ed Asner is a Hollywood legend. New Lines Cinemas

Even years later, Asner isn't slowing down.

Ed Asner has been credited for over 60 roles. Getty Images

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