The 'Elf' star opened up about the viral stunt that had fans talking — and the unexpected inspiration behind his offbeat take ...

Will Ferrell was surprised with the viral animatronic Buddy the Elf during an appearance on the TODAY show on Jan. 28.

Cigarette-Smoking Buddy the Elf — See the Hilarious Photos Ferrell, turns out, was one of those people. "That was really disturbing," he told Guthrie and Melvin when he was asked about the decoration.

Buddy the Elf meets animatronic Buddy the Elf ... That’s why in a lot of the photos she’s like this (holding her chin) trying not to laugh. My family indulges me in strange moments." ...

"Oh my God, it’s Buddy the Elf, the ax murderer," Ferrell said ... That’s why in a lot of the photos she’s like this (holding her chin) trying not to laugh. My family indulges me in strange ...

Will Ferrell fans were seeing double during his appearance on the Today show on Tuesday, Jan. 28. Though he was there to promote his new comedy You're Cordially Invited, the actor's Christmas ...

Will Ferrell talks on the TODAY show about "SNL," his new movie with Reese Witherspoon, "You're Cordially Invited," and dressing as Buddy the Elf at a hockey game.

Will Ferrell, however, did exactly that when he turned down £23 million to make a sequel to Elf. The iconic Christmas movie made a whopping $220 million off a budget of just $33 million.