Will Ferrell and Harper Steele emphasised the importance of releasing their new documentary before election day. Will & Harper, which aired on Netflix on Friday, September 27, explores the Anchorman actor’s journey as he learns about his close friend’s transition into a woman.
The documentary captures a 17-day road trip across the United States taken by Ferrell and Steele. Steele, previously known as Andrew, was the head writer at Saturday Night Live from 1995 to 2008, where she and Ferrell became friends.
With their longstanding friendship as a backdrop, Ferrell used the documentary to ask Steele questions about her transition, which began in 2022. The film has received critical acclaim and holds a near-perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Will Ferrell and his close friend, former head writer at SNL, Harper Steele embark on a cross-country road trip together after Harper comes out as a trans woman in the documentary film, WILL & HARPER. In select theaters this September and on Netflix September 27. pic.twitter.com/Svz4aSDsy5
— Most (@Most) September 5, 2024
Ferrell and Steele were determined to release the documentary before this year’s election. Ferrell told Variety, “When we sat down with Netflix we made it clear that we wanted this out before the election. We wanted it to have enough runway for people to get to see it and hopefully start having important discussions in their living rooms.”
Election Day is scheduled for Tuesday, November 5, just a few weeks away. Since its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, fans have expressed their eagerness to see it.
Ferrell shared his experiences, noting, “We’ve heard from people who say they can’t wait to see this with friends and family who maybe don’t share the same viewpoint and they’re looking forward to watching it all together. Hopefully, it could slowly chip away at some of that.”
Ferrell admitted that before Steele’s transition, he knew little about the trans community. “I had met trans people, but I didn’t have anyone personally in my life,” he said at Variety’s Sundance Studio. “So this was all new territory for me, which is why I think this film is so exciting for us to kind of put out there in the world.”
He added, “It’s a chance for all of us in the cis community to be able to ask questions and also just to listen and be there as a friend to discuss this journey.”
Will & Harper is now available for streaming on Netflix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why did Will Ferrell and Harper Steele want their documentary released before the election?
They wanted to spark important discussions before Election Day.
What is the documentary ‘Will & Harper’ about?
It’s about Will Ferrell learning about his friend Harper Steele’s transition.
When did Harper Steele start her transition?
Harper Steele began her transition in 2022.
What was Harper Steele’s role on Saturday Night Live?
She was the head writer from 1995 to 2008.
Where can I watch ‘Will & Harper’?
You can stream it on Netflix.