Will Ferrell returns for first Christmas movie since Elf in trailer for new film

Let's be honest, it's not really Christmas without Will Ferrell, is it?

Seeing the actor dressed in his adult-sized elf costume in character as Buddy marks the start of the festive season for a lot of film fans, and seeing his excitement over the prospect of meeting Santa is just something that never gets old.

Still, just because Elf will always be a fan favourite doesn't mean there isn't room for more Will Ferrell at Christmas, and this year we finally have the content to prove it.

If this doesn't get you in the Christmas spirit, I don't know what will:

Honestly, with snowfall, dance numbers and a ghost of Christmas, Spirited is really the only gift we need on 25 December. Well, that, and maybe a box of chocolates to tuck into while watching it.

Starring Ferrell alongside Ryan Reynolds and Octavia Spencer, the upcoming film is set to get us feeling Christmassy nice and early with a release in selected theatres on 11 November before arriving on Apple TV+ the following week.

A modern take on Charles Dickens’ classic holiday story A Christmas Carol, the musical is directed by Sean Anders and also features the likes of Patrick Page, Sunita Mani, Loren Woods, Joe Tippett, Marlow Barkley and Jen Tullock.

The songs involved are sure to give you some new holiday favourites as they're all original tracks written by Oscar winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, of La La Land fame, while the dance numbers are choreographed by Chloe Arnold, who is known for her work on The Late Late Show with James Corden.

Apple TV+

Ferrell plays the Ghost of Christmas Present in the film, and each year he selects someone to be reformed with the help of three spirits. Unfortunately, this year's Scrooge isn't quite as compliant as expected, and Clint Briggs (Reynolds) ends up making Ferrell's character think twice about his own past, present and future. 

Not one to miss an opportunity, Reynolds played into his longtime 'beef' with Hugh Jackman as he shared the trailer for the film on Instagram today (12 October), which also happens to be Jackman's birthday.

Alongside the clip, he wrote: "Happy Birthday, Hugh. This year, I’m giving you the gift of being much worse than you at singing and dancing. But at least there’s Will and Octavia!"

Spirited is set to arrive on Apple TV+ on 18 November, so dig out the popcorn and get ready to feel the Christmas spirit.