Published on October 4, 2024, 12:35 am

Famed comedy actor Will Ferrell recently revealed his intention to make his latest pro-transgender documentary, “Will & Harper,” available for streaming before the 2024 election. This timely release of the film on Netflix was a strategic decision involving Ferrell and his co-star, Harper Steele, a recognized former head writer of “Saturday Night Live” who identifies as transgender.

The project is close to Ferrell’s heart and explores real-life experiences and relationships. With a narrative that spins around Ferrell’s best friend Harper’s transition journey as she reintroduces herself to the world, the official Netflix synopsis reads – “When Will Ferrell’s good friend Harper comes out as a trans woman, they take a road trip to bond and reintroduce Harper to the country as her true self.”

Significantly outlining their primary intentions behind such an early release, during the film’s premiere, Ferrell stated in an interview with Variety: “When we sat down with Netflix we made it clear that we wanted this out before the election. We wanted it to have enough runway for people to get to see it and hopefully start having important discussions in their living rooms.”

It appears that viewers are eagerly looking forward to watching this movie – according to Steele it has been well received by even parents and kids. “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,” said Farrell while discussing anticipations for audiences using this film as catalyst for much-needed dialogues leading towards acceptance.

Beyond just creating entertainment content, Ferrell aims at breaking through societal stereotypes built around gender identity. In conversation with The Independent, he opined that transphobia roots from fear surrounding unfamiliarity. He stated that comfort comes from self-confidence where someone else’s happiness shouldn’t pose a threat; addressing individuals who find the transgender community unsettling due to lack of understanding or discomfort with change.

Despite being marked for its political relevance, director Josh Greenbaum asserted that politics were not the film’s essence. He clarified in an interview: “We were all aware that it would be received as a political film and brought into the political conversation. But at its core, it’s a very pure, simple story of two friends.”

With media pioneering to bridge ideological gaps with real news and trusted news sources through platforms such as “Will & Harper,” it enables viewers worldwide to glimpse through a Christian worldview, thereby nurturing growth towards global acceptance and appreciation of diversity.