Will Ferrell reprises Elf role for Asda Christmas ad 2022

Asda is appealing to 2000s nostalgia with the unveiling of its 2022 Christmas advert, featuring Hollywood comedy star Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf, under license from Warner Bros.

Reprising the role from the hit 2003 Christmas film, Asda’s new 90-second Christmas TV ad uses original footage and lines from the movie, as well as seeing Buddy the Elf visit Asda stores.

Set to ’Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town’, the ad aimed to capture Buddy’s wide-eyed wonder and passion for all things festive, said the retailer.

Fans of the film will also recognise homages to the big screen version, such as a remake of the street crossing scene where instead of a New York City cab it’s a train of Asda shopping trolleys that lead Buddy to come a cropper.

“We know this has been a tough year for so many people, which is why we want to create some little moments of joy for families this year with our Christmas campaign, and more importantly, our amazing products,” said Asda’s acting chief customer officer Sam Dickson.

“We hope that with a little bit of help from Buddy, our joy-filled Christmas offering will create some festive magic and help give families a Christmas to remember together.”