Will Ferrell landed at the Sundance Film Festival to world premiere the new documentary Will & Harper. The focus is on the relationship between the popular comedian and his best friend Harper Steele on a road trip. The two met during their time on “Saturday Night Live,” for which Harper wrote from 1995 to 2008. Harper came out as transgender in 2022.
“It was three summers ago when Harper sent an email to many of her close friends with the headline, 'Here's a weird one,'” Ferrell said on Variety Studio presented by Audible. “She went on to explain that she was undergoing transition and of course we were all excited and surprised to hear the news. We've all been very supportive and expressed our love for each other… but this has raised the question, 'How can we help you?' What should we do?”
Ferrell said he had “no idea” about the trans community before Harper came out to him.
“I had met transgender people, but I didn’t have anyone personally in my life,” Ferrell said. “So this was all new territory for me, which is why I think it's so exciting for us to bring this film out into the world, so to speak.” It's a chance for all of us in the cis community to ask questions and also just just to listen and be there as a friend to discuss this journey.”
“It tells the story of a cis friend of a trans person who has to transform himself,” Harper added of the film.
The official synopsis for “Will & Harper” reads: “When Will Ferrell finds out that his close friend of 30 years is coming out as trans, the two decide to take a cross-country road trip to find out to process a new phase of their lives.” Relationship in an intimate portrait of friendship, transition and America.”
Ferrell also produced the documentary alongside Jessica Elbaum, Rafael Marmor and Christopher Leggett. The film is directed by Josh Greenbaum, who also produced it.
“Will & Harper” is aiming for distribution at the Sundance Film Festival.