Initially making his mark in the long-running US sketch show Saturday Night Live, Will Ferrell is hotly tipped to become the next big thing in film funnies. After small roles in Ben Stiller's Zoolander and Mike Myers' Austin Powers series, Ferrell made a lasting impression in Todd Phillips' testosterone-fuelled comedy Old School. Elf sees him in his first major leading role, and he has no less than nine films in the pipeline, including big screen versions of Starsky & Hutch and Bewitched.

This is your first major starring role. How does it feel?

Yes, it's just me on the poster! You know, it was kind of a unique opportunity for me to be in a different kind of film, one that I haven't done before, which is the family comedy. It also gave me the chance to showcase some of the other things I feel I have as an actor. That was the challenge, to make it funny as well as heartfelt - as well as all those other things you hope to see in a holiday film.

You spend the whole movie in this elf costume - the green jacket and yellow tights...

Well, I'm usually naked or doing something weird, so what's new? Actually, the costume helps a lot because it really helps you become the character. You put the costume on and straight away you're an elf. Let's face it, there's the humour - a big guy in tights dressed as an elf! It was kind of a perfect visual.

So tell us about Buddy...

Buddy is a human who was raised at the North Pole by the elves. He thinks he's an elf. He's not really aware that he's twice the size, and he's not really very good at making toys. One day, however, he discovers by mistake that he's not one of them, and so he goes on this quest to find his father.

James Caan plays your dad in the film. How was it doing comedy with him?

It was great. I didn't want to be intimidated by him, because he's such an icon in a way. So, the first time I met him, I just ran up to him and went "Dad!" and I gave him a huge hug. It was kind of to break the ice. He broke three of my ribs.

Elf is a movie for the holidays - and holiday films always have some kind of heartfelt message. What's the message in Elf?

It's really a movie about acceptance. This guy doesn't belong at the North Pole, and he finds out he doesn't really belong in the human world. He actually bridges the gap between both places.