Will Ferrell began to cry on Sunday night when director Josh Greenbaum revealed the love between him and the former Saturday Night Live Author Harper Steele brings the screen to life in her new Netflix film Will and Harper.
In the film, Ferrell reconnects with his longtime girlfriend, who lived the first 61 years of her life as a man. Determined to be her most authentic self, Steele is invited by Ferrell to join her on a road trip across the United States. Featuring cameos from Tina Fey, Seth Meyers and Kristen Wiig, Greenbaum’s film is both joyful and poignant. The tenderness of the pair’s relationship is moving and palpable as the two navigate their friendship – and Harper, her newfound femininity – through the various stages along the way.
“I don’t want to make a mistake, I don’t want to ask the wrong way,” Ferrell admitted during a Q&A at a London film preview. “We just wanted to capture a conversation between two friends and bring it to a level where hopefully the audience can listen to me stumble through these questions to my dear friend… She lets me make these mistakes and encourages me to just ask.”
When Greenbaum praised Ferrell and Steele for their participation, there were a few dry eyes in the audience. “I have so much love for him and those two people that it was a gift to be able to express that in a film.”
“But I just hope (Ferrell) continues to get all the love he deserves,” Greenbaum continued. “Because he brought so much good into the world. And we often take for granted comedians who bring us joy and love throughout our lives and make our everyday lives a lot easier, so I hope he feels that.” As Ferrell wiped tears from his eyes, Steele lightened the emotional moment, joking, “What is this nonsense?”
Steele spoke of being emotional herself while in London after Ferrell said the trio stopped at the Sundance, Toronto and Telluride film festivals. “I was in London right before the pandemic, shooting a film about Eurovision with Will,” she said. “And I was about to have that experience, but it was a difficult time for me in London. And when I walked through London and finally got my (British bakery chain) Greggs sausages as myself, it was just so much joy. Thank you.”
Ferrell was asked about his highlights from the 16-day trip with Steele. “Every day had a highlight,” he said. “We always try to make each other laugh. And the highlights ranged from Harper showing us photos of herself on a unicycle, getting around Iowa City, to her standing in front of her parents’ house and this young person arriving on a unicycle… insane.”
“And even though they didn’t recognise me,” he continued, drawing laughter from the BFI Southbank audience, “Harper gets on and rides that unicycle in high heels. Between that and our chance encounter at the Grand Canyon with a retired therapist trying to make amends for a situation she didn’t know how to deal with, and Harper offering her comfort. Getting to surprise Harper in a swimming pool with my swimming trunks on… So many high points.”
Will and Harperwhich premiered at Sundance in January, will be available to stream on Netflix starting September 27th and will also be released in select theaters on September 13th.
