The You’re Cordially Invited stars explain why one animal trainer tried to convince Will Ferrell to fight a real alligator. The Prime Video original movie features Ferrell opposite Reese Witherspoon, who play the father and sister of brides, respectively, who are dismayed to find out that a wedding venue has double-booked them. In addition to Ferrell and Witherspoon, You’re Cordially Invited features a leading cast including Geraldine Viswanathan, Meredith Hagner, Ramona Young, and Jimmy Tatro. It premiered on Prime Video on January 30, and is trending on the platform.

Speaking with Josh Horowitz on Happy Sad Confused, Witherspoon and Ferrell explain how the movie’s alligator scene came about. Ferrell explained that one “animal trainer sent a video to try and convince [their] line producer that [they] could use a real alligator.” Witherspoon interjects that they claimed the animal was “docile” and that Ferrell could hold it in his hands. They ultimately decided against it, because in the scene, Ferrell is “thrashing about.” Check out the full story below:

Witherspoon: Tell him the story about the alligator.

Ferrell: Which one?

Horowitz: The one in your movie.

Ferrell: There was an animal trainer who sent a video to try and convince our line producer that we could use a real alligator.

Witherspoon [in Southern accent]: Will Ferrell could hold this, it is very docile. She’s very docile.

Ferrell: And she’s holding it, and pulling it by the tail. ‘He could do this, he could do that.’ Meanwhile, if you see the scene, I’m thrashing about. There’s no way that live alligator would have tolerated it. Oh we can make, we can make him real sleepy.

What This Means For You’re Cordially Invited

The Team Went With The Safer Option

The scene in question occurs when Ferrell’s character captures an alligator to take it back to the inn, considering sabotaging the other wedding. Rather than the live alligator approach, the team ultimately opted with CGI. This was a far more conventional method of accomplishing the scene that saw Ferrell wrestle nothing at all, but looking like he was face-to-face with the real deal.

This more technological way of shooting this You’re Cordially Invited scene ultimately led to a much safer outcome for Ferrell. Though many animals can be trained, alligators are not necessarily known for their docility. They are unlikely to harm humans in the wild, unprovoked, but a flailing Hollywood comedian might be a test of the animal’s patience. Ferrell certainly would have gotten a lot of press for going head-to-head with the reputable reptile, but it is probably good that he didn’t.

Our Take On You’re Cordially Invited’s Alligator Story

You’re Cordially Invited Includes Physical Comedy

Even without using a real alligator, this You’re Cordially Invited shows the great lengths that the film was able to go for its comedy. The movie is not just a series of interpersonal gaffs but rather includes physical comedy as well, from alligator wrestling and beyond. The range in this comedic style is likely something that will be of great appeal to Prime Video viewers who are checking out the film in the coming days.

Source: Happy Sad Confused