Famous male comedians aren’t exactly known for supporting the transgender community (cough). But an unlikely ally has emerged in the form of Will Ferrell, the Mattel CEO from the Academy Award-nominated film Barbie. Will & Harper, the comedian’s new documentary about his relationship with his trans best friend, Harper Steele, is already receiving rave reviews as they embark on a cross-country road trip.
The film premiered on Monday at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, and received a standing ovation, Variety reports. Will & Harper, directed by Josh Greenbaum, follows the duo’s literal (and figurative) journey after Steele comes out as a trans woman. The two met in the 1990s when Steele was the head writer for Saturday Night Live, and Ferrell was hired as a cast member. According to Variety, Steele sent a long, vulnerable coming-out email in 2022 outlining her decision to transition at 61. Ferrell suggested they take a road trip from New York to Los Angeles to discuss her transition and this new phase in their relationship.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ferrell stated that the project was always intended to be a documentary. “Of course, I made it clear to Harper, ‘I don’t want to exploit our friendship, but this could, I think, be just a wonderful way for us to explore this topic,” he said. “For me to learn, ask all the questions that I have about what you’re going through and who you are. Have you changed?'”
Eventually, the two friends arrived at the same conclusion: if they could “convince someone to film it, that maybe it would be something that people would watch.”
While we’re always wary of preemptive hyperbole, critics are correct to point out that Will & Harper has the potential to have a significant impact. The average documentary about trans people is unlikely to persuade most people who are either undecided or actively opposed to their existence. But, as one of America’s most well-known comedians, Ferrell possesses the kind of star power that may be able to entice ambivalent viewers and change their minds. Just as we’ve discussed the real-life consequences of anti-transgender comedy, films that depict trans people in all their complexity and humanity can tip the scales in our favor.
Bottom line
Upcoming Will Ferrell’s new documentary is set to reveal untold stories from his life, giving audiences an exciting sneak peek into his latest project. This promises to be a must-watch for fans, offering a new perspective on the beloved actor’s journey.