Will Ferrell speaks out about transphobia ahead of documentary release

Will Ferrell discussed why he believes transphobia persists around the world, acknowledging that there is “a lot of hate out there” against trans people.

“It's very real and very dangerous for trans people in certain situations,” the actor said The Independent in an interview published on Wednesday. Ferrell's comments come days before the Netflix release Will & Harper, The documentary follows a road trip with Ferrell and his best friend Harper Steele, a former head writer for Saturday Night Live who came out as transgender.

“But I don’t know why transsexuals should threaten me as a cis man. I don’t know why Harper is threatening me,” Ferrell said. “It's so strange for me because Harper finally…” her. She is finally who she was always meant to be. Regardless of whether you can ultimately understand this or not, why should you care if someone is happy? Why is this threatening to you? If the trans community is a threat to you, I think it’s because you’re unsure of yourself.”

As for why Ferrell believes transphobia exists in the first place, he told the outlet: “I think we're afraid of what we don't know.”

“What if we went on a road trip together and gave her a chance to go to a cowboy bar or other places that she misses and I could be by her side and support her as a friend?” Ferrell told Netflix from the concept for the new documentary. “At the same time, it would give us a chance to reconnect and figure out what this transition means for our relationship.”

Steele said the documentary offers a chance to experience life as a trans person outside of the more liberal bubbles where trans people are more welcome. “I love the whole country. It’s my country and I wanted to feel a little safer there,” she said. “And I thought traveling across the country with Will Ferrell would help me.”

In a review for Rolling Stone Earlier this year, David Fear wrote: “Will & Harper At its core, it’s a portrait of friendship and how the foundations of a deep and lasting bond don’t change, even when the people in it change.”

He added: “That alone makes the trip worth it.”