Ahead of the new Netflix documentary, Will & Harper, Will Ferrell has revealed the one thing he won’t do on screen for laughs anymore.
Known for his highly quotable comedic films and memorable stint on Saturday Night Live, Will Ferrell is reevaluating what he finds funny.
Ferrell is set to appear in the upcoming documentary Will & Harper, which hits Netflix this month. Starring Ferrell and his longtime friend Harper Steele (former head writer of SNL), the new film follows the duo as they take a road trip across America, rediscovering their friendship after Steele came out as transgender in 2021.
Today, Ferrell says he will no longer perform in drag for sketches or otherwise, telling The Interview podcast that he regrets some sketches he has done in the past, such as the “Janet Reno’s Fantasies” segments on Season 23 of Saturday Night Live.
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“It’s something I wouldn’t choose to do right now,” Ferrell said. said.
“It kind of depresses me,” Steele added. “I understand that the laugh is a drag laugh. It’s like, ‘Hey, look at that guy in a dress, that’s funny.’ It’s absolutely not funny. It’s absolutely a way that we should be able to live in the world. But with artists and actors, I like the sense of play.”
The “Janet Reno” sketch featured Ferrell in drag, playing the role of the real-life attorney general and performing acts such as lying in a bed with stuffed animals and kissing a fake Bill Clinton.
Ferrell admitted that there were “quite a few” sketches in the comedy series “where you lament the choice.” He also joked, “I mean, in a way, casting — you’re kind of given this assignment. So I’m going to blame the writers.”
Will & Harper will be released on Netflix on September 27, 2024.
Until then, check out all the best TV shows streaming this month, as well as all the best movies of 2024 so far. You can also find out what Will Ferrell’s real name is!
