“There are no ground rules with friends.” – Harper Steele
Netflix has today debuted the official trailer and poster for the critically acclaimed Sundance documentary film, “Will & Harper,” sure to fuel anticipation among audiences eager to witness the poignant and deeply personal journey of beloved comedic icon Will Ferrell and his close friend, former Saturday Night Live head writer Harper Steele. The documentary will release in select cinemas this September and on Netflix September 27.
Three years ago, Will Ferrell was in the midst of filming a new movie when he received a most surprising and deeply personal email from his dear friend of nearly 30 years, Harper Steele. In that email, Harper bravely opened up to Will, coming out to him as a transgender woman. This revelation, though unexpected, did not shake the unbreakable bond that had formed between the two comedians all the way back on that fateful day in 1995 when they first met on the hallowed halls of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, home of the iconic sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live.
From the moment Will and Harper crossed paths for the first time as young, up-and-coming writers trying to make their mark in the high-pressure world of live television, the two knew they had found a kindred creative spirit in one another. Their sharp wit, boundless energy, and undeniable chemistry made them an unstoppable comedic duo, and over the next three decades, their friendship and professional partnership would only continue to flourish.
The intimate documentary “Will & Harper”, helmed by Josh Greenbaum (Strays, “Becoming Bond”), chronicles the emotional journey of two friends as they drive from New York to Los Angeles over 16 days. Along the way, they stop at locations that hold personal and national significance, pushing past their comfort zones to re-examine their relationship and connection to these spaces, and to each other. Through laughter, tears, and countless cans of Pringles, the film offers a sincere and reflective look at this new chapter in their long-standing friendship.
Along their travels, the film also includes appearaces from Seth Meyers, Tina Fey, Kristen Wiig, Colin Jost, Will Forte, Molly Shannon, Tim Meadows, and Paula Pell.
Commenting on the documentary, Steele says she hopes her journey proves helpful for viewers — whether or not they are transgender like her: “Ultimately, the main reason that got me to do it was, ‘Oh, maybe this could be useful for others,’ … I Iike to think that about any kind of work that I’m putting out there. Anything that I’m making or a part of, it’s like, ‘I hope this is somehow useful to people, that it makes them laugh or they get something out of it.’ ”
“Will & Harper” is produced by Rafael Marmor, Will Ferrell, Jessica Elbaum, Josh Greenbaum, and Christopher Leggett, with Justin Baldoni, Andrew Calof, Jamey Heath, and Steve Sarowitz serving as Executive Producers.
