Will Ferrell has explained the importance of releasing his new documentary with Harper Steele before election day.
On Friday (September 27), Will & Harper was released on Netflix. The documentary focuses on the Anchorman actor learning about his close friend’s transition into a woman.
To commemorate the release, Ferrell and Steele embark on a 17-day road trip across the United States.
Previously known as Andrew, Steele was the head writer for Saturday Night Live, where she worked for over a decade from 1995 to 2008.
Steele and Ferrell became friends during their time on the show.
The documentary serves as a platform for Ferrell to ask Steele questions about her transition, which she began in 2022, reflecting their long-standing friendship.
So far, the documentary has been critically acclaimed and holds a nearly perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes.
The release timing of Will & Harper was strategic – the duo aimed for it to come out before this year’s election.
“When we sat down with Netflix we made it clear that we wanted this out before the election,” Ferrell told Variety.
He elaborated: “We wanted it to have enough runway for people to get to see it and hopefully start having important discussions in their living rooms.”
Election Day is scheduled for Tuesday, November 5, just a few weeks away.
Since its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, both Ferrell and Steele have received enthusiastic responses from fans eager to watch it.
The Elf star mentioned: “We’ve heard from people who say they can’t wait to see this with friends and family who maybe don’t share the same viewpoint and they’re looking forward to watching it all together.”
“Hopefully it could slowly chip away at some of that.”
Before Steele’s transition, Ferrell acknowledged that his understanding of the trans community was limited.
“I had met trans people, but I didn’t have anyone personally in my life,” he revealed during Variety’s Sundance Studio.
“So this was all new territory for me, which is why I think this film is so exciting for us to kind of put out there in the world.”
Ferrell added: “It’s a chance all of us in the cis community to be able to ask questions and also just to listen and be there as a friend to discuss this journey.”
Will & Harper is now available for streaming on Netflix.