Will Ferrell and Harper Steele have been buddies since their early days on Saturday Night Live.
Harper mentioned they clicked instantly, saying, “We hit it off pretty quickly,” and added that much of her writing for Ferrell didn’t air because it was “too good.” Harper later became head writer at SNL from 2004 to 2008, while Ferrell turned into a star. Now, their friendship is captured in the new documentary Will & Harper.
Even after SNL, they kept teaming up. Harper wrote for Ferrell’s projects like Casa de mi Padre and A Deadly Adoption. She also worked at his comedy site, Funny or Die. They never stopped hanging out outside work either.
Ferrell shared that they would go to Lakers games, road trips, and even surprise each other at bars in costumes. But when Harper came out as transgender, she wasn’t sure if she could still enjoy those moments. Ferrell was unsure too. He wondered if things would be the same between them. That’s when Ferrell suggested the idea behind Will & Harper, directed by Josh Greenbaum. “What if we went on a road trip together…?” he asked.
Fans often wonder how changes affect friendships, and this story is an example of that journey.
What is Will & Harper about?
When Harper comes out as a trans woman, she and Ferrell go on a road trip to adjust to this new phase in their friendship and help her feel at home in the country again.
Directed by Josh Greenbaum, the documentary premiered at Sundance 2024 and was picked up by Netflix.
Harper hopes her story helps others, whether they are transgender or not. “Ultimately, the main reason that got me to do it was, ‘Oh, maybe this could be useful for others,’” she said.
Who’s featured in Will & Harper?
Will Ferrell and Harper Steele are the stars of Will & Harper. Some old SNL friends might pop in too.
Ferrell found this documentary challenging because being himself on camera all day was new for him. He wondered if they’d run out of things to talk about. Their journey started in New York and ended in Los Angeles, taking them through Indianapolis and the Grand Canyon, meeting people in bars, gas stations, and rodeos.
This trip brought them closer. Harper recalled, “I could almost pinpoint the moment where I’m like, ‘Will sees me the way I want him to see me now.’” It was wonderful for her.
But surprises were still there. Harper mentioned a kid on a unicycle showing up outside her childhood home. You’ll need to watch Will & Harper to find out more about that!
When will Will & Harper be on Netflix?
Will & Harper hits select theaters in September and Netflix on Sept. 27. It also has its international premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 5.
Meanwhile, check out Ferrell’s new series GOLF with Ramy Youssef and the 2020 comedy Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, written by Ferrell and Harper.
Read Josh Greenbaum’s director’s statement:
“Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.” I believe this strongly. As a filmmaker, I connect with people through comedy. It’s my way to say something about the world. Often, the best way to get people to listen is to make them laugh first.
When Will and Harper approached me about directing this documentary, I knew it was a story that needed telling. Their conversations had a rhythm: starting with a joke, then real talk, then back to humor. It reflects life, which is never just funny or dramatic but a mix of both.
As a director, I wanted to capture this dynamic. For every tough moment, there’s laughter. Our editor, Monique Zavistovski, helped pick out the key moments of discovery, challenge, and growth.
I felt honored to be part of this journey. Watching Will and Harper open up and trust each other was incredible. Creating a safe space for these moments was our goal.
Harper’s bravery in coming out and going on this trip was immense. Will’s support, even at the risk of losing fans, was equally brave. He knew Harper needed him and that others in the trans community could use an ally.
This film is the most special project I’ve worked on. It’s about friendship, being true to oneself, and the journey across America. It’s about identity, acceptance, and sometimes, Pringles and cheap beer.