Will Ferrell has returned to Netflix with a deeply personal documentary titled Will and Harper, which explores his long-standing friendship with Harper Steele, a former Saturday Night Live writer who transitioned to a transgender woman. The film was released on September 27 and delves into their decades-long bond, highlighting how Ferrell has supported Steele since she came out to him in 2022 at the age of 61.
In her heartfelt letter, Steele expressed her desire for Ferrell’s support during her transition. Though excited to help, Ferrell admitted he was initially unfamiliar with the experiences of transgender individuals. The two friends, who first met during their debut week on SNL in 1995, have since grown closer, and Ferrell proposed a road trip through the Midwest—a trip they had enjoyed many times—this time allowing Harper to fully embrace her authentic self.
What did Will Ferrell say about transphobia?
In a recent interview with The Independent to promote the documentary, Ferrell shared his thoughts on transphobia. He suggested that fear often arises from a lack of understanding: “I think we fear what we don’t know.” He emphasized that Harper is finally living as her true self and questioned why anyone would feel threatened by someone else’s happiness. Ferrell pointed out that if the existence of the transgender community feels threatening, it may reflect an individual’s own insecurities.
Ferrell and Steele also addressed the troubling rise in transphobia in society, including criticism that comes from spaces that are usually seen as progressive, like The New York Times. Steele highlighted the increased challenges she now faces when it comes to freedom of travel and expression compared to her life before transitioning. “There is hatred out there,” Ferrell acknowledged, noting the very real dangers that trans people encounter.
Moreover, he found the notion that trans individuals pose a threat to cisgender people utterly illogical. “I don’t know why trans people are meant to be threatening to me as a cis male,” he remarked. By sharing their journey and insights, Ferrell and Steele aim to foster understanding and empathy toward the transgender community.