A surprise appearance by actor Will Ferrell as his iconic character Buddy the Elf at an NHL game in December has sparked a variety of responses from fans. Dressed in costume, the 57-year-old comedian watched the Los Angeles Kings face off against the Philadelphia Flyers, adding an unexpected twist to his portrayal with a cigarette and beer in hand. While some fans were amused by this unconventional take on the beloved character, others felt it was out of character and inappropriate.

Ferrell shared his thoughts on the matter during an interview with PEOPLE, explaining that the idea came from a spontaneous moment of inspiration. As a season ticket holder for the L.A. Kings, he decided to mix things up by donning a Buddy the Elf costume from Amazon and sitting courtside to observe reactions. “I thought it would be funny to see how people would respond,” he said, adding that the costume’s authenticity or lack thereof became a topic of discussion among fans. Despite the mixed reviews, Ferrell maintains a lighthearted attitude about the incident, joking that Buddy was simply having a bad day.

In addition to this playful stunt, Ferrell is also making waves with his latest film, "You’re Cordially Invited," where he stars alongside Reese Witherspoon. In the movie, he plays Jim, a father whose daughter’s wedding venue gets double-booked with another ceremony. The film highlights themes of conflict resolution and the importance of finding common ground, even in challenging situations. Ultimately, Ferrell’s ability to entertain and surprise continues to captivate audiences, reminding us all that sometimes, a little unpredictability can lead to memorable moments and laughter.