Will Ferrell fans left 'sobbing' over heartfelt new Netflix documentary on gender transition

Virgin Radio

6 Sep 2024, 15:21

Comedy icon Will Ferrell takes viewers on an emotional road trip in his new Netflix documentary, showcasing his unwavering support for his long-time friend Harper Steele as she navigates her gender transition.

Netflix viewers are reaching for the tissues after the release of the trailer for Will Ferrell's touching new documentary Will & Harper.

The beloved SNL alum, known for his side-splitting antics in films like Anchorman and Elf, is showing a softer, more personal side in this deeply moving project that has fans feeling: "sobbing at the trailer is always a good sign."

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In Will & Harper, the funnyman embarks on a transformative 17-day road trip across the United States with his long-time friend, Harper Steele.

But this isn't just a buddy-comedy adventure—Harper is undergoing her own emotional journey, transitioning and fully embracing her identity as a woman.

The documentary, which tackles the aftermath of the Covid pandemic and the life changes it brought, promises to be a profound exploration of friendship, identity, and acceptance.

Ferrell and Steele share a deep-rooted history, having met during their early days on Saturday Night Live.

Will was a star on the legendary sketch show from 1995 to 2002, while Harper stayed on until 2008.

The pair reunited later to co-write Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga for Netflix, and now, they're back together in this highly-anticipated documentary.

During the pandemic, Harper reached out to Will and other close friends, opening up about her plans to transition.

This heartfelt moment became the foundation for Will & Harper, which first premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year.

The documentary will soon be available on Netflix, dropping on September 27.

The two-minute trailer alone has already had a huge impact on audiences. It opens with Will reading a letter from Harper, where she reveals her decision to live as a woman.

The raw emotion in that moment sets the tone for the rest of the journey, which sees the duo traveling across America and rediscovering life, as Harper, in Will's words, becomes 'a brand new version' of herself.

Fans and allies alike have taken to social media to express just how meaningful the documentary is.

X (formerly Twitter) user @LikeChrisss gushed: "This trailer is heartwarming! It’s hard to put into words just how significant this documentary is, it has the potential to make a really huge positive impact."

Others praised Ferrell for being an open ally to the trans community.

One tweet read: "Will Ferrell being a huge visible ally to trans people is cool as f**k because so many straight boys I know idolise him and quote his movies constantly."

And the heartfelt nature of Ferrell’s bond with Harper resonated deeply with one fan, who said: "This is actually one of the sweetest things I’ve ever seen. Treating your bro like she’s still your bro, even though she is no longer 'a bro' is the best thing a bro to a trans woman can do."

With a 100% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a limited theatrical release in the U.S. ahead of its Netflix debut, Will & Harper is already shaping up to be one of the most important and impactful documentaries of the year.

Watch Will & Harper on Netflix from September 27.