Will Ferrell knows how to make the people smile, but usually it’s from streaking or yelling at someone to “get off the shed.”
Today, Will has touched the people on a deeper level, with the trailer for his new Netflix documentary, Will & Harper.
Will Ferrell and Harper Steele star in Will & Harper
Here's how the story goes: in 2021, Will received an email from friend and former Saturday Night Live writer Harper Steele that she was a trans woman. The documentary follows the titular duo as they road trip across the US for 16 days, reflecting on what the “new version” of Steele means for their friendship.
“We’d go to Lakers games, go on road trips together, surprise each other at random little bars in costume,” Ferrell told Netflix of the pair’s bond.
“What if we went on a road trip together, giving her a chance to go into a cowboy bar or whatever places she misses, and I can be by her side and lend support as a friend?” asks Ferrell in the trailer. “At the same time, it would give us a chance to reconnect and figure out what this transition means to our relationship.”
It sounds and looks like a project designed to warm the heart and tug the eye waters.
Social media sings Will Ferrell's praises
And if the reaction from the Internet thus far is any indication, Ferrell and Netflix have succeeded. Many are praising Ferrell for using his celebrity status on a project in support of his friend.
It’s clearly a gesture borne of love and allyship that you just love to see. Especially when you consider the largely straight male audience of his films which he could potentially reach.
One X user pointed out that this project is by no means an outlier for Ferrell. He has quietly been using his status to get behind diverse and intelligent projects, many of which have raked in the awards:
Good on ya, Burgundy. Will & Harper hits Netflix on September 26th.
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