Will & Harper: Trailer, Release date, plot, cast, & Everything we know about Josh Greenbaum’s Documentary

Get ready for an emotional journey, as the trailer for the highly anticipated documentary Will & Harper has just been released! This touching film follows the long-time friendship between Will Ferrell and Harper Steele, who embark on a transformative 17-day road trip across the United States after Steele comes out as a transgender woman. 

Set against the backdrop of their shared history, from their early days at Saturday Night Live to their creative collaborations, the documentary captures not only their laughter and adventures but also the heartfelt conversations that redefine their bond. Ferrell and Steele’s journey serves as an exploration of identity, acceptance, and the power of friendship in the face of change. With critics praising its candidness and warmth, Will & Harper is being touted as a must-watch this fall.

This article will cover everything we know about the documentary, from its gripping plot and behind-the-scenes insights to the standout moments that make this film truly special. Rest assured, we'll keep the details coming as new information unfolds, so stay tuned for updates that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

Release date & Where to Watch

Will & Harper will be available on Netflix worldwide on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. Before its streaming release, the documentary will have a limited theatrical run in select US cinemas starting Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, with a specific date for UK screenings yet to be announced. 

Additionally, it premiered internationally at the Toronto International Film Festival on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, and will be screened there again on Sept. 11, 2024. The film is rated R for language.

Plot

Will & Harper follows the journey of Will Ferrell and his longtime friend, Harper Steele, who met at Saturday Night Live when Steele was known as Andrew Steele. Their friendship, which has spanned nearly 30 years, took a new direction when Steele came out as a trans woman in 2021. 

The documentary chronicles their road trip across America as they navigate this significant change in their relationship and reintroduce Steele to the country she loves as her authentic self. The official synopsis highlights that the film captures their emotional journey: “When Will Ferrell's good friend of 30 years, Harper Steele, comes out as a trans woman, the pair embark on a road trip to process this new stage in their friendship.”

Directed by Josh Greenbaum and premiering at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival before being acquired by Netflix, the film captures the intimate conversations and shared experiences of the pair. Steele hopes her story resonates with viewers, emphasizing that she wants to create something useful for others, regardless of their background. 

As they drive from New York to Los Angeles over 16 days, Ferrell and Steele revisit meaningful locations that reflect their friendship and American culture. Along the way, they engage in heartfelt discussions about acceptance and identity, blending laughter and introspection while pushing beyond their comfort zones. 

Steele expresses her uncertainty about how her experiences, like attending Lakers games and hanging out with friends, might change after her transition. Ultimately, the documentary is a poignant exploration of friendship, identity, and the power of being true to oneself.

Cast

Front and center in Will & Harper are Will Ferrell and Harper Steele. Ferrell, best known for iconic films like Old School, Elf, Talladega Nights, Anchorman, and, more recently, Barbie, takes a new approach by participating in this documentary. Steele, who has worked behind the scenes as a writer—serving as head writer on Saturday Night Live from 2004 to 2008—has collaborated with Ferrell on various projects, including Casa di mi Padre, A Deadly Adoption, and Funny or Die skits.

Ferrell acknowledges the challenge of being on camera for long hours, sharing his concerns about running out of conversation during their road trip, which began in New York and ended in his hometown of Los Angeles. Over 16 days, they journeyed through the American heartland, engaging with people along the way.

As their friendship deepened during the trip, Steele reflected, “Will sees me the way I want him to see me now,” highlighting the understanding they cultivated. Unexpected moments, like the appearance of a unicyclist outside Steele's childhood home, added to the documentary’s charm. 

Both Ferrell and Steele share a long history, having hit it off almost immediately on SNL, with Steele recalling, "I wrote a lot of stuff for Will, much of which didn't make it to air because it was too good." Their bond has only strengthened over the years, making this project particularly special.

Official Trailer

The trailer showcases intimate moments from the road trip, including a heartfelt exchange where Steele asks Ferrell if he was nervous about how to communicate after her coming out. Ferrell admits, “Yeah, probably a little nervous,” to which Steele reminds him that “there are no ground rules with friends.” She also expresses her openness to questions about her transition, stating, “I’m not afraid to talk about it.” 

Ferrell lightens the mood with a joke, asking, “Do you think you’re a worse driver as a female driver?” While Ferrell laughs at his comment, Steele responds with a sigh, saying, “That’s the dumbest ... that is so ... fuck you. But I am.”

Behind the Scenes

The documentary Will & Harper is directed by Josh Greenbaum, who is known for his work on comedies like Strays and Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar and documentaries such as Too Funny to Fail: The Life & Death of the Dana Carvey Show. It is produced by Ferrell, Greenbaum, Samantha Apfel, Carolina Barlow, Jessica Elbaum, Christopher Leggett and Rafael Marmor.

Greenbaum believes in the power of laughter as a means of connection and aims to reflect the dynamic between Will Ferrell and Harper Steele, who share a friendship rooted in humor.

The film chronicles Harper's journey of coming out and transitioning at 61, highlighting the bravery of both Harper and Will as they embark on a cross-country road trip. With over 200 hours of footage captured, Greenbaum focused on creating a safe environment for authentic moments of vulnerability interspersed with humor. The project, which also features contributions from producers like Ferrell and Jessica Elbaum, emphasizes themes of friendship, allyship, and self-acceptance.