Will Ferrell: ‘I learned how much pain and suffering’ coming out as trans involves
Hollywood star Will Ferrell has opened up about the eye-opening experience of making the new documentary Will & Harper, launched on Netflix today (27 September), in an exclusive chat with Attitude.
The film follows Ferrell and his longtime friend Harper Steele, a former Saturday Night Live colleague who came out as a transgender woman in 2022, as they embark on a cross-country road trip. Their journey explores friendship, allyship, and the trans experience.
Asked what he’d learned about the trans community through Harper, Will said: “What I learned is just how much thought went into that [coming out]; how much pain and suffering there is along the way.”
He added: “It’s not just [that] you wake up one day and go, ‘You know what, I think I’m finally going to say something’. It’s painstaking.”
Harper, sitting alongside Will, offered her perspective on transitioning: “When you are allowed to transition, you’re living your better life.”
Will & Harper captures the duo’s 16-day adventure from New York to Los Angeles, filled with moments of laughter, revelation, deep friendship, and in parts, tears.
Their journey takes them through various parts of America, from their old SNL haunts to cowboy bars and roadside diners, offering a glimpse into the trans experience across different regions of the country, both positive and challenging.
“There’ a better world slowly happening somewhere out there” – Harper Steele on trans acceptance
Asked about their most memorable moments, Will recounted a touching encounter that never made it into the final cut – a meeting with college students outside the White House.
“There was a level of acceptance with this younger generation that was unflinching. Some of the young women [in the group] just looked at Harper and [were] like, ‘I see you; it’s so great to meet you.'”
Harper added: “There’s a better world slowly happening somewhere out there.”
The documentary also explores the concept of ‘trans joy’. When asked what this means to her, Harper said: “Being trans is a joyful, wonderful experience.”
She added: “We shouldn’t deny anyone that opportunity to be themselves, and if they’re trans, they should be trans because it’s a better world for them.”
Will & Harper is streaming on Netflix now.
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