Comedian Will Ferrell talks about the importance of showing his mistakes and awkwardness when asking questions to his transgender friend in front of viewers.

Will Ferrell, the famous actor known for his hilarious roles in movies like Elf and Anchorman, received an unexpected email with the subject line "Here's A Weird One" three summers ago. It was from his best friend of almost 30 years, Harper Steele, who was coming out as a trans woman. Will first met Harper while working together on the TV sketch show Saturday Night Live and they have continued their friendship ever since, even collaborating on movies like Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. When Will was asked if he initially thought the email was a prank, he explained that the carefully crafted email made it clear that this was not a joke.

Will and Harper sat down with Metro at a luxury London hotel, surrounded by an absurdly large fruit bowl, to discuss their new documentary, Will & Harper. The film documents their road trip across America, from New York to LA, as they process this life-changing news within their friendship. Harper, looking stunning in a hot pink blouse and matching stilettos, recalls Will approaching her with the idea for the documentary and assuring her that she did not have to do it if she did not want to. Will did not want to exploit her in any way.

Despite his larger-than-life persona on screen, Will appeared neutral and understated in a brown jumper and cream jeans, determined not to overshadow his friend. When asked about the potential backlash for his involvement in the documentary, Will explained that he does not spend energy thinking about it and he is proud of the beautiful project they were able to be a part of.

One of Will's biggest concerns was potentially losing his friendship with Harper or saying the wrong thing while trying to defend her. However, Harper made it easy for him by being open and generous with her story. She jokingly says that Will is not a "gender studies graduate student" and they both laugh. Will admits that he stumbled through many of his questions in the documentary, but he believes it is important for the audience to see that.

When asked about the toughest question he asked Harper, Will becomes emotional and confesses that it was asking about her dating life and her struggles with suicidal thoughts. Despite the emotional moments, the documentary also has its funny moments, like Will dressing up as Sherlock Holmes and demanding to go to Dunkin' Donuts.

Director Josh Greenbaum, who joined the conversation later, recalls sobbing behind the camera after a particularly emotional moment between Will and Harper at a dirt car racetrack. Harper had expressed her fear that people would hate her for being trans, but she realized that she was more afraid of hating herself. However, out of the darkness comes light, and Harper hopes that the documentary can be useful and even save lives.

Harper believes that there is so much joy in being trans and wants people to understand that the dysphoria comes from not being true to yourself. Will agrees and adds that Harper summed it up perfectly when she said, "Am I sad that it took me so long? Yes, but at the same time, I can't stop smiling that this person wouldn't go away and kept bubbling to the surface." Harper triumphantly declares that her true self has won the internal battle she has been fighting her entire life.

For Will and Harper, the journey was important, but reaching an uplifting end point was just as crucial. Harper confidently states that being trans is a superpower and a wonderful place to be. The documentary, Will & Harper, is now available to stream on Netflix.

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