Jim Carrey Was The Original Lead

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Considering the fact that the script for Elf has been in the works since 1993, it's understandable why Carrey was originally eyed for the role. Carrey was at his absolute peak in 1993 filming movies like Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and The Mask.

Obviously, now it's hard to imagine anyone but Will Ferrell in the role. Everything worked out in the end though because Carrey went on to make the perfect live-action Grinch.