American comedy icon Will Ferrell appeared at the Sundance Film Festival for the premiere of his new documentary, Will & Harper and revealed the heartwarming story behind the film.
The upcoming documentary, directed by Josh Greenbaum, depicts the friendship between Ferrell and his best friend, Harper Steele, who came out as transgender in 2022.
Before Steele came out, Ferrell admitted to knowing little about the transgender community. “I had met trans people, but I didn’t have anyone personally in my life,” he said to Variety.
Ferrell added, “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. It’s a chance 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.”
The film sees the two embark on an American road trip as they navigate change together. Ferrell and Steele met in the 1990s through their work for Saturday Night Live.
Steele became one of the sketch show’s head writers between 2004 and 2008. She has remained friends with Ferrell for 30 years, with the documentary emphasising the enduring nature of their relationship.
Discussing the documentary, Steele said, “It tells the story of a cis friend of a trans person who has to transition himself.”
The official synopsis reads: “When Will Ferrell finds out his close friend of 30 years is coming out as a trans woman, the two decide to embark on a cross-country road trip to process this new stage of their relationship in an intimate portrait of friendship, transition, and America.”
Watch a clip of the pair discussing the upcoming film below, which has yet to be picked up by a distributor.
Harper Steele on new documentary "Will & Harper": "I'm very proud of the film; I think it's very honest." | Variety Studio presented by @audible_com https://t.co/BMs1p67MmW pic.twitter.com/Ngow4gtdNm
— Variety (@Variety) January 22, 2024
