David Krumholtz's Insightful Thoughts on Bernard The Elf in The Santa Clauses

The Enduring Magic of Bernard the Elf

Bernard is one of the best characters in The Santa Clause, and actor David Krumholtz has some insightful thoughts on his return in Disney+'s The Santa Clauses. The Santa Clause franchise, beginning with 1994's hit movie The Santa Clause, has become a staple in holiday cinema. Its charm, humor, and heartwarming narrative revolving around Scott Calvin's (Tim Allen) accidental transformation into Santa Claus captivated audiences globally. Integral to this magic is Krumholtz's Bernard the Elf, a character beloved for his wisdom, wit, and elfin quirks. Bernard became a symbol of the North Pole's enchanting world, embodying the spirit of Christmas in his interactions with both elves and humans alike.

Bernard (David Krumholtz) looks concerned in The Santa Clauses

Since the release of The Santa Clause, David Krumholtz has diversified his portfolio, taking on a variety of roles that showcase his range as an actor. From television series like The Good Wife to roles in major movies like Isidor Isaac Rabi in Oppenheimer, Krumholtz has not shied away from exploring different genres and characters. His journey post-The Santa Clause has been a testament to his versatility and commitment to his craft. Despite this, his return to the role of Bernard in The Santa Clauses cast was a moment of nostalgic joy for fans, rekindling the magic he once brought to the big screen.

Bernard the Elf (David Krumholtz) looking concerned in The Santa Clause

Bernard's The Santa Clauses Episode Explores Who Santa Really Is

In a special episode featuring Bernard the Elf in The Santa Clauses, a TV continuation of the holiday franchise, viewers are taken on a journey that delves deep into the lore of Santa Claus and the elves. David Krumholtz returns to his iconic role in season 1, episode 5 'Chapter 5: Across the Yule-Verse', and he shared his insights on the episode's significance (via Entertainment Weekly). 'In my episode, we learn a lot about who Santa Claus really is, who he has been, who the elves are, and why they exist,' he explains. Bernard's episode doesn’t just revisit the characters; it explores their origins, bringing a new depth to the beloved Christmas tale. Krumholtz's full comments are:

'In my episode, we learn a lot about who Santa Claus really is, who he has been, who the elves are, and why they exist. It's all brought into some perspective instead of just accepting the fact that there are pointy-eared elves working somewhere on the top of the Earth for a jolly, bearded, fat man. It's a mix of the actual history of the myth of Santa Claus that has been written about for hundreds of years, and some new stuff thrown in to make sense of it all. It's really, really brilliant.

When I read it, I was so moved by it. It's this real, genuine attempt to sort create a lineage for Santa Claus and for the elves. So you get an idea of what exactly happened that night in the first movie when the Santa Claus fell off Scott Calvin's roof, why Scott Calvin became Santa Claus, why it was him and not someone else. Did Santa really die when he fell off that roof? What really went on that night? What actually happens to Santas and to elves? Without giving too much away, it's kind of like a multiversal origin story of Christmas.'

Why Bernard Wasn't In The Santa Clause 3

Reflecting on Bernard's absence from The Santa Clause 3, David Krumholtz provides a nuanced perspective. While scheduling conflicts were part of the issue, his decision was also influenced by the treatment of Bernard's character in the Santa Clause 3 script (via Vulture). 'The character got devalued a little bit,' he remarks, pointing to a shift in the essence of Bernard that didn't align with his vision. Krumholtz candidly shares his thoughts on the third installment, recognizing the specialness of the first two films but noting a different tone in the third. The actor explained:

Well, the story about my scheduling is true, but somehow also untrue. Yes, I feel that way. Bernard was in the third movie. They sent me the script, I had a pretty significant role. We did work out the schedule, which was going to be hellish on me, but I was going to make it work. And it was all set to go. But I would say that the character got devalued a little bit and I couldn’t in good conscience do it. The third one, I’ve tried to watch. It’s not the same. I think the first two are really special. The first one’s a classic, obviously. It’s wild to be part of something that’s lasted this long, that plays every single year and has become tradition in people’s homes. I could never have imagined that I’d be having this conversation years later.