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.
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.
The Santa Clauses Season 3: Will It Happen? Cast, Story & Everything We Know
The Santa Clauses has brought plenty of Christmas cheer to Disney+ for two seasons already, and here’s everything we know about season 3.
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:
Krumholtz emphasizes that it’s a blend of the traditional Santa mythology and fresh, creative elements that offer a more comprehensive understanding of the Christmas magic. The actor expresses his profound connection with the script, highlighting its efforts to establish a lineage for Santa Claus and the elves. The series has created so many unanswered questions: What really happened the night Scott Calvin became Santa? What is the fate of Santas and elves in this universe? Though The Santa Clauses still left questions unanswered, the “multiversal origin story” clears up those decades-long mysteries, albeit in a farfetched way that totally redefines the narrative boundaries of the Santa Clause universe.
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:
Krumholtz was ultimately right, as The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause has a disastrous 17% on Rotten Tomatoes. However, there’s a chance that the threequel could have gotten a better reception if Krumholtz reprised his role as Bernard the Elf. Despite his return in The Santa Clauses, Krumholtz’s reflection on the franchise’s impact, resonating as a holiday tradition in homes worldwide, underscores the enduring legacy of the first two films. Bernard’s absence in the third Santa Clause movie might have been a missed opportunity to retain the original magic that made the franchise so beloved.
Watch The Santa Clause On Disney+
Watch The Santa Clauses On Disney+
