By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-09-30 17:55:20 | Updated at 2024-10-01 07:28:24
13 hours ago
Will Ferrell has stoked fan controversy by admitting his new Netflix documentary about his transgender friend was purposefully released before the election.
The Netflix film 'Will & Harper' follows the famous comedian and his best friend Harper Steele on a cross-country road trip after the latter came out as a trans woman.
It captures the trials and tribulations the duo faced as Steele transitioned later in life and Ferrell was reintroduced to his friend.
'When we sat down with Netflix we made it clear that we wanted this out before the election,' Ferrell told Variety.
'We wanted it to have enough runway for people to get to see it and hopefully start having important discussions in their living rooms.
Will Ferrell insisted his new documentary the famous comedian and his transgender best friend Harper Steele (left) on a cross-country road trip be released before Election Day
Transgender issues are a hot topic this presidential election season between Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump
'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.'
The decision left fans divided - with some saying Ferrell was out of touch for thinking conversations around trans rights is a priority for the average American this election season.
'Important discussions? More like distractions from reality,' one person said.
'Most Americans are not "having discussions" about stuff like this. They're talking about sports or cost of living or work or hobbies or who's dating who. The only people obsessing over trans are trans activists,' said another.
The film captures the trials and tribulations the duo faced as Steele transitioned later in life and Ferrell was reintroduced to his friend
Others felt the actor was coming from a good place but missed the mark with his intentions.
'I love Ferrell and fully support them both, trans people, and acceptance and inclusion. I don't think this doc is moving the needle much,' a person said.
'That's great Ferrell is supportive of his friend. Ferrell doesn't have daughters. He really shouldn't be telling those of us who don't want trans women sharing (invading) our women's only spaces with our daughters (or us) how we should feel about this, though,' said another.
Some said the film prompted discussions about keeping biological men out of women's spaces.
'Yes, on how we need to protect women's spaces and sports from predatory men. If "they feel like a woman" they're welcome to have a dialogue with other men in male spaces,' one person said.
'I can't wait to have an important discussion about how a privileged white man is telling women and girls they shouldn't be bothered by men in their spaces,' said another.
There were other viewers who supported Ferrell's decisions and agreed it was important to watch the film before Election Day.
'I'm all for this! Humor can break down barriers and make tough topics more accessible. Excited to see how they tackle these important discussions,' one person said.
'Will Ferrell just keeps getting better and better as a human. The power of TV to change minds is something many people dismiss,' a second person said.
