After learning that his best friend of 30 years, Harper Steele, was transitioning, Will Ferrell set out to make a documentary as the two embarked on a road trip to explore this new chapter of their friendship. The resulting film is Will & Harper, which is already racking up rave reviews at Sundance and accolades for Ferrell thanks to the comedy actor modeling how to be a true friend and ally amidst a political climate that’s still rife with anti-transgender rhetoric.
While promoting the film, Ferrell confessed to having “zero knowledge” about the trans community before Steele came out. He’s since taken considerable steps to remedy that.
“I had met trans people, but I didn’t have anyone personally in my life,” Ferrell told Variety. “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.”
Following the Sundance premiere of Will & Harper, Ferrell was greeted with a standing ovation at the Utah film festival:
Biggest standing O of the fest goes to the completely wonderful “Will & Harper,” a new doc about Will Ferrell taking a road trip with his longtime friend, Harper Steele, who transitioned at 61. The cheers and love in this room are so moving. #Sundance2024 pic.twitter.com/VIabydAggA
— Jada Yuan (@jadabird) January 23, 2024
Meanwhile, on social media, people are praising Ferrell and his commendable work teaching people how to listen and be more accepting of others. The comedic actor has one heck of a soapbox, and he’s using it to model behavior that could change lives.
You can see some of the reactions below:
easy to be cynical about this but I do think it's cool that a lot of cis people who (think they) don't know a trans person will see this and be like oh if Will Ferrell can do it so can I https://t.co/We2nMll2qF
— SAG Award Winner Elizabeth Debicki is 6'3" (@hayejunt) January 22, 2024
I've never been a fan of Will Ferrell's work, but he's so based for this, what a thoroughly decent guy. That's all it takes, be nice, supportive, and don't be a cunt. https://t.co/KLaDDPcXN2
— Baldur's Graham (@BabyCorsola) January 23, 2024
This is what every cis person should aspire to. Standing up for his best friend and the whole trans community 🏳️⚧️ https://t.co/02cdHMzFv5
— KeepTransKidsSafeAtSchool (@TransKidsRule) January 23, 2024
Did I have Will Ferrell being a babe of a trans ally on my 2024 bingo? No. But it’s great to be pleasantly surprised.
All the love to Harper and Will for using their story as a learning opportunity for likely millions of cis folk.
Can’t wait to see the film 💜🏳️⚧️ https://t.co/jfwqjXhOX3
— Toryn Caitriona Glavin (@torynglavin) January 22, 2024
This is lovely. When people tell you how they feel, who they really are, be like Will and listen to them kindly. https://t.co/jxTRtfqxd2
— David Weston (@informed_edu) January 23, 2024
For conflicted people with a newly-out trans person in their lives, please watch this.
It's a perfect example of someone broaching a sensitive topic to which they may be ignorant by asking questions, listening, & being there for people.
So huge. Can't wait to see the full doc. https://t.co/nk5SyFMOtd
— Justin Bellman (@YourAvgBellman) January 23, 2024
This is so heart warming. We need more big allies like this that are willing to learn and use their platforms to educate https://t.co/oLf0eFqLUl
— Mike (They/Them) 🏳️⚧️🇵🇸 (@_MxMike) January 23, 2024
Unlike other comedy legends like Ricky Gervais or Dave Chappelle that use trans people as targets in their inability to write funny jokes anymore, Will Ferrell decided to both educate himself and others on the entire issue once one of his best friends came out pic.twitter.com/sk2UvaFuQE
— The Serfs (@theserfstv) January 23, 2024
Will & Harper is currently seeking distribution at Sundance.