Once in the Big Apple, he becomes fascinated with the real world and smitten with a toy store employee named Jovie (Deschanel). Related: The Cast of Elf: Where Are They Now? "I'm so lucky to have ...

There were several actresses in the running to play Buddy's love interest and reluctant Gimbles elf Jovie and New Girl actress Zooey only got an audition after the chosen star pulled out.

From Will Ferrell's hugely adorable Buddy the Elf to Zooey Deschanel's sweet but unenthusiastic Gimbels worker, Jovie, the film is brimming with loveable characters that have stood the test of time.

From Will Ferrell's hugely adorable Buddy the Elf to Zooey Deschanel's sweet but unenthusiastic Gimbels worker, Jovie, the film is brimming with loveable characters that have stood the test of time.

falls for toy store worker Jovie (Zooey Deschanel), and even saves Christmas by helping Santa deliver presents. Though it wasn’t a critical darling, Elf has since earned its place as one of the ...

We all remember when Will Ferrell played the iconic character of Buddy in Elf who ventured from the North Pole to New York ...

Will Ferrell stars in the 2003 film Elf alongside Zooey Deschanel as "Jovie." "Buddy" has the ability to bring Christmas cheer wherever he goes. Even though people in New York find him strange at ...

Deschanel wasn't the first choice to play Jovie. "Elf" was the ninth feature-length film that Deschanel had appeared in since launching her acting career in 1998. At the time "Elf" debuted ...

btw), and—maybe it's the holiday spirit—but our favorite and most iconic will always be Deschanel as Jovie in Elf. We caught up with the actor to unpack her mornings, which she says is rooted ...

Initially annoyed by his bubbly personality, Jovie eventually warms up to Buddy, and the pair fall in love. The transition from elf to a functioning member of society proves challenging for Buddy.