Will & Harper release date, cast, trailer and 'true' story behind new road trip film

Will & Harper: Will Ferrell stars in trailer from Netflix

Comedian Will Ferrell and his long-time friend, writer Harper Steele, delve into the depths of their friendship in the wake of Steele's coming out as transgender. The upcoming Netflix documentary, "Will and Harper," chronicles their poignant journey across America.

The film captures their heartfelt exploration of Steele's transition from male to female and the societal shifts she faces as a woman. Lauded by critics since its debut at the Sundance Film Festival, the documentary has been hailed as both a "must-watch" and a "brave and characteristically unusual" piece.

Set for release in September, here's what we've gathered about "Will and Harper," including who stars in it and when audiences can catch this compelling story.

What is the true story behind the film?

Will Ferrell and Harper Steele have shared a close bond for three decades, having first crossed paths in the writers' room of Saturday Night Live. In 2021, Steele reached out to Ferrell with the news that she would be coming out as a trans woman.

Actor and comedian Will Ferrell attends a film premiere (Image: Getty Images)

Together, they set off on a road trip to navigate this new chapter in their lives and reintroduce Steele to her beloved country in her truest form.

Directed by Josh Greenbaum, the new documentary film made its debut at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and was snapped up by Netflix. Harper expressed her uncertainty about whether the experiences she enjoyed as a man, such as watching Lakers games, frequenting bars and her friendship with Will Ferrell, would remain the same post-transition.

Steele is hopeful that her journey will resonate with viewers, regardless of their gender identity. She stated: "Ultimately, the main reason that got me to do it was, 'Oh, maybe this could be useful for others.

"I like to think that about any kind of work that I'm putting out there. Anything that I'm making or a part of, it's like, 'I hope this is somehow useful to people, that it makes them laugh or they get something out of it'.".

Will Farrell stars in the documentary Will Harper alongside his friend and writer Harper Steel. (Image: Netflix) Who are the stars of Will and Harper?

Comedy legend Will Farrell features in the documentary alongside his friend and writer Harper Steel. Farrell is a renowned comedian and actor known for his roles in numerous cult comedies including Elf, Anchorman, The Lego Movie films, Despicable Me 4, Talladega Nights, Step Brothers, The Other Guys and Barbie.

Harper Steele has an impressive writing career, having worked on Saturday Night Live for two decades and co-writing Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga with Will Farrell. Her other writing credits include The Roast of Tom Brady, The Spoils of Babylon, Funny or Die, Casa de mi Padre and the Lifetime movie A Deadly Adoption.

Comedy icons Will Ferrell and Harper Steele have shared a bond since their early days on Saturday Night Live. Steele reminisced with Netflix, "We hit it off pretty quickly," adding, "I wrote a lot of stuff for Will, much of which didn't make it to air because it was too good."

Actor Will Ferrell embarked on a road trip across the US with writer and friend Harper Steel after she transitioned into becoming a woman (Image: Netflix) window.topArticlesScript="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/js/dist/article-top-articles20240903.min.js" SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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Steele rose to the role of head writer at SNL from 2004 to 2008, during which time Ferrell secured his status as one of the show's most celebrated stars.

When is the film released and how can I watch the trailer?

The documentary will be screened in select US cinemas starting September 13, but details about UK screenings are unknown. For those unable to catch it on the big screen, Netflix will release the film on Friday, September 27.

The trailer for the film can be watched above.

Will & Harper release date, cast, trailer and 'true' story behind new road trip film

Will & Harper release date, cast, trailer and 'true' story behind new road trip film

Will & Harper release date, cast, trailer and 'true' story behind new road trip film

Will & Harper release date, cast, trailer and 'true' story behind new road trip film

Will & Harper release date, cast, trailer and 'true' story behind new road trip film