Will Ferrell: ‘If the Trans Community Is a Threat to You, Then It Stems From Not Being Confident or Safe With Yourself’

As a long-time movie enthusiast who has witnessed the evolution of comedy and human narratives over the decades, I find myself deeply moved by Will Ferrell‘s recent statements regarding transphobia. His insightful perspective, as portrayed in his upcoming Netflix documentary “Will & Harper,” resonates with me on a profound level.


In an interview with The Independent during his promotional run for the Netflix documentary “Will & Harper”, Will Ferrell expressed his views on the reason behind transphobia, stating that he believes it stems from a fear of the unknown.

The focus of ‘Will & Harper’ is the bond between Will Ferrell and Harper Steele, a friendship that began when they worked together at ‘Saturday Night Live’ in the 1990s. Thirty years later, Steele revealed her identity as a transgender woman. The film, which was acquired by Netflix following its debut at Sundance earlier this year, follows these comedians on a journey across America, exploring their friendship anew after Steele’s transition.

Ferrell expressed to The Independent that there’s genuine hatred existing out there. He emphasized the danger and unsafe conditions transgender individuals often face in specific situations. However, he’s puzzled as to why transgender people pose a threat to him, being a cisgender male. Similarly, he can’t comprehend what makes Harper potentially threatening to him.

It’s peculiar to him, as Harper has now truly become… herself,” he continued. “She’s found her true identity, which she was always destined for. Regardless of whether you can fully comprehend this transformation, why concern yourself if someone is content? Why does their happiness seem menacing to you? If the transgender community seems threatening to you, I believe it originates from a lack of self-assurance or insecurity.

Ferrell shared with EbMaster at Sundance before the documentary’s release that Steele revealed her transgender identity in an email to a few close friends. “We were all incredibly supportive and showed our affection,” he stated. “However, this brought about questions like, what can we do for you? What actions do you need from us?

Ferrell said he had “zero knowledge” about the trans community before Harper came out to him.

Ferrell stated, ‘I’ve encountered trans individuals before, but I don’t have any personally close to me.’ This unexplored ground made this project particularly thrilling for us to share. It offers everyone in the non-transgender community an opportunity to ask questions and simply listen, providing support as a friend throughout their journey.

“Will & Harper” streams Sept. 27 on Netflix.

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2024-09-27 00:46