Will Ferrell and Harper Steele want cis people to understand that the world will be a “better place” if all trans people can “live their truth”.
In the new Netflix documentary Will & Harper, the duo embark on a seventeen-day road trip across the United States after Harper, former head writer at Saturday Night Live and Will’s comedy partner of thirty years, comes out as a trans woman.
Directed by Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar‘s Josh Greenbaum, the film follows Will and Harper as they come to terms with this new stage in their friendship and Harper reintroduces herself to the world, while Will learns how to be an authentic ally to the trans community.
Although Will & Harper doesn’t shy away from transphobia and the plethora of anti-trans legislatures in the United States, it prioritises joy and – with their legendary comedy backgrounds – humour.
“I’ve been out for three years and I wake up every morning happy, so I’m not interested in really dwelling in the trauma,” Harper tells GAY TIMES.
“I recognise it, I also recognise that my situation as a fairly privileged person [means I probably have] an easier experience to a lot of other people.
“I think people need to understand that there’s a lot of joy in being trans. We are superior to other people and I think people need to understand that.”
According to Will, the documentary was always going to be comedy-heavy as the duo “bonded our friendship through humour”.
“That’s what works so well about this [film], that we’re not getting up on a soap box; we’re having important discussions and interactions throughout the whole film,” he says. “At the same time, we’re joking in the way that we always have.”
Will adds: “If [Harper’s] full of joy, then why question her existence? It’s as simple as that.”
For Harper, it’s vital that “we get to a place in this world” where cis people understand that “if you’re letting someone live their truth the way they want to, it’s better for all of us. Not just our group of wonderful [trans people], but everyone.
“We’re here, and we’re making the world a better place.”
Will and Harper first met on Saturday Night Live in 1995. After a thirteen-year stint, in which she was nominated for four Primetime Emmy Awards (including one win), Harper continued to work with the Elf icon on his telenovela homage Casa de mi Padre and his Lifetime film A Deadly Adoption.
She also served as creative director for Funny or Die, Will’s comedy video website and production company, as well as executive producer for the HBO sketch show of the same name.
In 2020, they co-wrote the satirical musical-comedy Eurovision: The Story of Fire Saga, which Will led alongside Rachel McAdams.
On whether they plan to collaborate on another comedy project in the future, Harper reveals: “Never. The idea of working with him sickens me.”
“We will always work together on any sort of project, big or little, and that’s actually what I look most forward to; whatever next we’ll collaborate [on],” says Will.
“It could happen tomorrow, it could happen two years from now, but we always have each other in mind for the next thing.”
Will & Harper is now streaming worldwide on Netflix.
Watch our full interview with Will Ferrell and Harper Steele here or below.
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