When his best buddy Harper Steele came out, Will Ferrell was praised for openly admitting that he knew nothing about the trans community.
In a recent interview with Variety while promoting their new film, Will &, Harper, the 56-year-old actor and his best friend of 30 times discussed their friendship. After Steele revealed to Ferrell that she was coming out as a trans woman, the film, which had its Sundance Film Festival premiere on January 22, centers on the two friends traveling by car.
Ferrell admitted to having “zero information” about the transgender community prior to producing the video in an interview with Variety. He added that prior to Steele coming over to him, he had no close relationships with anyone who was trans.
He said, “I had met trans people, but I didn’t personally know anyone.” “So, for me, this was entirely new ground, which is why I believe this movie is so exciting for us to sort of release into the earth.”
The Barbie legend continued by explaining why the new video means so much to him and how it has given him a chance to learn more about the trans community.
It’s an opportunity for everyone in the cis area to ask issues, talk, and be there as a friend to talk about this journey, he said.
It tells the story of a trans man who has to change himself, according to Steele, who also shared another significant story of the film.
Many people have praised Ferrell for admitting that he didn’t know much about the transgender community and for being open to learning more about it as the interview has been re-shared on X, formerly known as Twitter.
One person remarked, “I love this because he’s demonstrating that it is acceptable to say ignorance if it comes with being willing to learn.” It’s nice to be pleasantly surprised once in a while, even though my bingo card didn’t have an unexpected trans advocate from Will Farrell.
“I adore this so much. When we can acknowledge our knowledge while still being honest and open to learning, it is gorgeous. Compassion only costs us an effort to learn and develop, according to another author.” Wilful ignorance, lost relationships, and stored hatred are the costs of denying others ‘true selves.
A second person wrote, “Things I love about what Will Ferrell is doing here is not just being an ally as best he knows how, but also admitting that there was no understanding and expressing a commitment and desire to learn as friends.” “It’s wonderful to see some encouraging information.”
Others kept praising Ferrell for supporting his close companion and being a member of the trans community.
“Did I have Will Ferrell as a trans alliance in my 2024 gambling?” No. However, it’s wonderful to be wonderfully surprised, one person wrote. “All the passion to Harper and Will for giving millions of cis people the chance to learn from their story.”
Another person wrote about the interview, “This is how to become an attentive, regular human… and a great friend.”
Ferrell and Steele discussed their expectations for the movie and how their work was influence people ‘ideas while speaking to the Associated Press at Sundance on Monday.
“We wondered if this could be a guide when we eventually looked at the movie.” said the Elf sun. “Kind of a spreadsheet to show that two friends can discuss this contentious topic and sort of demystify the dialogue or whatever.”
