When Will Ferrell first joined Saturday Night Live in 1995, the guy who would go on to become a comedy legend faced some serious skepticism from his peers. Hard to believe, right? The man who gave us iconic characters like the cowbell-banging Gene Frenkle and George W. Bush wasn’t immediately seen as hilarious by the SNL crew. But a new Netflix documentary, Will & Harper, shows just how far Ferrell has come since those uncertain days — and how much his journey has been shaped by his close friendship with fellow SNL alum, Harper Steele, who opens up about her journey to becoming a trans woman.
The documentary takes an intimate look at their 30-year friendship and how it evolved after Harper came out as trans. Three years ago, Ferrell received an unexpected email while filming a movie: Steele, his friend and collaborator for decades, was coming out to him as a trans woman. That moment marks the beginning of a new chapter in their relationship, which the pair explores during a cross-country road trip documented in Will & Harper.
“They Thought Will Ferrell Was a Dud”
In Will & Harper, Ferrell and Steele, a former SNL writer, reflect on their first week at SNL, a moment that almost feels like comedy history in the making — but not for the reasons you might expect. Ferrell, now known for his offbeat humor, recalls the chilly reception he got from some of his colleagues.
“I was trying to get to know everyone,” Ferrell remembers in the documentary, “and there was a group of people who were looking at me like, ‘We don’t get what this guy does. He doesn’t seem that funny.’” It turns out, some of his co-stars didn’t immediately see the comedic brilliance behind his quirky, deadpan delivery. But Harper Steele, a fellow SNL newbie, wasn’t one of them. Steele, who penned memorable sketches like “Oops, I Crapped My Pants” and Tim Meadows’ “The Ladies Man,” saw Ferrell’s potential from the get-go. “They all thought Will Ferrell was a dud,” Steele admits in the documentary. “But I just knew Will was not the dud.”
And, as the world now knows, she was absolutely right.
From SNL Underestimated to Comedy Royalty
Despite the initial skepticism, Ferrell quickly became one of SNL‘s most beloved cast members, cementing his place in comedy history with sketches that still get quoted today (seriously, who hasn’t heard “More cowbell” at least once?). But Ferrell’s comedy legacy didn’t stop at SNL; it extended far beyond those Studio 8H walls.
Much of his creative success over the years has been shaped by his longtime partnership with Steele. After their seven-season run at SNL, the duo continued to collaborate on a variety of projects, including Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, The Spoils of Babylon, and A Deadly Adoption. As Ferrell notes in Will & Harper, “If you’ve ever scratched your head and said, ‘Why did Will Ferrell make that?’ there’s a good chance it was in partnership with Steele.”
A Cross-Country Journey of Friendship and Rediscovery
At its core, Will & Harper is more than just a documentary about comedy or the creative process — it’s a deeply personal road trip that explores identity, friendship, and the power of reinvention. Harper Steele, who came out as a trans woman at age 61, embarks on a cross-country journey with Ferrell as they revisit cities that played a role in their past. Along the way, they confront some difficult truths about themselves and each other, while still managing to infuse the trip with humor and heart.
Ferrell, known for his ability to make us laugh, also shows a more vulnerable side as he navigates his friend’s transition and the evolving dynamics of their relationship. The documentary touches on emotionally charged moments, with Ferrell sometimes fumbling to say the right thing despite his best intentions. Yet, through the laughter, tears, and a shared love of Pringles (yes, Pringles), the duo deepens their friendship and reconnects in a way that’s as raw as it is heartwarming.
A Star-Studded Cast of SNL Alums Join the Journey
The documentary isn’t just about Will and Harper. It features appearances from SNL legends like Fred Armisen, Tina Fey, Will Forte, Colin Jost, and Tracy Morgan, all of whom offer their own insights into the unique bond shared between Ferrell and Steele. Show creator Lorne Michaels also appears, adding an extra layer of nostalgia as the pair revisit their old stomping grounds at 30 Rock.
Will & Harper: A Must-Watch for Ferrell Fans
Will & Harper is currently ranked #2 on Netflix, and it’s easy to see why. It offers a mix of everything we love about Will Ferrell — his humor, his heart, and his humanity. But it’s also a touching tribute to friendship and acceptance, as Harper Steele reintroduces herself to the world on her own terms.
For Ferrell fans, it’s a chance to see the man behind the laughs in a more intimate and personal light. And for anyone who’s ever questioned whether Ferrell was truly funny (looking at you, SNL doubters), this documentary is proof that sometimes, it just takes time to see a comedic genius in the making.
Will & Harper is streaming now on Netflix — grab some Pringles and settle in for a heartfelt, hilarious ride.
