Will Ferrell has sparked controversy among fans by admitting that his new Netflix documentary about his transgender friend was purposefully released before the election.
The Netflix film “Will & Harper” follows famed 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 the duo faced when 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 to release this before the election,” Ferrell said Variety.
‘We wanted there to be enough of a catwalk for people to see it and hopefully start important discussions in their living rooms.
Will Ferrell insisted that his new documentary about the famous comedian and his transgender best friend Harper Steele (left) during 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 may not share the same views, and that they’re looking forward to watching this all together.”
The decision left fans divided; some said the millionaire actor was trying to influence voters and divert attention from other important issues.
“He wants to distract everyone from actually looking at the Democrats’ record or policies. Always all trans for the media,” said one.
‘Rich enough to pay for his own propaganda. “Imagine if we could all afford to do this and have it promoted by the press,” a second person said.
“Keep up the political propaganda,” said another.
“Hollywood always thinks regular Americans are obsessed with their niche interests,” said a fourth person.
Another person said: ‘I appreciate them admitting they are propaganda trash trying to influence elections.’
Others felt Ferrell was out of touch with the idea that conversations about trans rights are a priority for average Americans this election season.
‘Important discussions? They are more distractions from reality,” one person said.
The film captures the trials the duo faced when Steele transitioned later in life and Ferrell was reintroduced to his friend.
“Most Americans don’t ‘discuss’ these kinds of things. They talk about sports, the cost of living, work, hobbies or who is dating whom. The only people obsessed with trans are trans activists,” said another.
“Will Ferrell wanted to make a lot of money. That’s why,” a third person said.
A fourth person said: ‘I will never understand why people think actors and artists are beacons of morality who can guide us in culture and politics. For me, it’s just easier to find shared interests among narcissists.’
Others felt the actor came from a good place, but missed the mark with his intentions.
“I love Ferrell and fully support both of them, transgender people, and acceptance and inclusion. I don’t think this doctor is moving the needle much,” one person said.
‘That’s great. Ferrell supports his friend. Ferrell has no daughters. But he really shouldn’t be telling those of us who don’t want trans women sharing (invading) our women’s spaces with our daughters (or us) how to feel about this,” said another.
Some said the film sparked discussions about keeping biological men out of women’s space.
“Yes, about how we should protect women’s space and sports from predatory men. If ‘they feel like women’ they are welcome to have dialogue with other men in masculine spaces,” said one.
“I can’t wait for an important discussion about how a privileged white man tells women and girls that they shouldn’t be bothered by men in their spaces,” said another.
A third person said: ‘Because he doesn’t support women’s rights to same-sex spaces or sports. He’s a 6-foot-4 multi-millionaire. He has no interest in this game.’
There were other viewers who supported Ferrell’s decisions and agreed that it was important to watch the film before Election Day.
‘I’m all for this! Humor can break down barriers and make difficult topics more accessible. I’m glad to see how they’re tackling these important discussions,” one person said.
‘Will Ferrell is getting better and better as a person. The power of TV to change minds is something many people ignore,” a second person said.
