Will Ferrell, known for his comedic genius, takes us on two wildly different adventures through his latest projects, showcasing his multidimensional talents and enduring friendships.
Ferrell plays the lead role of scientist Rick Marshall in the 2009 film Land of the Lost, which is set to stream on Hulu from February 1. This comedic adaptation of the classic 1974 Sid and Marty Krofft television series pairs Ferrell with Anna Friel and Danny McBride, as they navigate through challenges involving time travel and dinosaur-themed escapades. Despite its ambitious premise, the film disappointed at the box office, earning just over $68 million against its $100 million budget. It holds a mere 26% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
“It means Matt Lauer can suck it!” is one of the memorable lines from the movie, embodying the humorous spirit it aims to deliver, even as it faced mixed reviews from audiences. Ferrell's character, Rick, is the founder of something called “quantum paleontology,” whose career plummets after a disastrous interview with Matt Lauer—who plays himself.
Even with its lackluster initial response, Land of the Lost has garnered some appreciation over time. CBR has recognized it as one of the most underrated sci-fi movies of the 2000s, crediting the entertaining chemistry between Ferrell and McBride.
A unique promotional moment for Ferrell came recently, when he surprised fans by attending an NHL game donning his iconic Buddy the Elf costume from the 2003 holiday classic. Speaking with FanDuel Sports Network’s Carrlyn Bathe, Ferrell shared, “It was a tough holiday season,” showcasing his knack for humor even off-screen. He stood out as he mingled with fans, capturing the playful essence of his beloved character.
On the New Heights podcast, Ferrell elaborated on the humor behind this whimsical appearance, stating, “I think Buddy the Elf got laid off.” The scenario was born from his spontaneous idea to test how people reacted to his presence as Buddy the Elf, complete with a candy cigarette.
Will Ferrell's collaboration with fellow comedian Harper Steele is highlighted deeply through their upcoming documentary, Will & Harper. This film chronicles their nearly three-week road trip, delving not just their comedy but the intricacies of their friendship, especially as it relates to Steele’s gender transition. Director Josh Greenbaum emphasizes the documentary as both humorous and heartfelt, capturing genuine moments amid the struggles and triumphs of identity.
“Our friendship really came through comedy and how we both were attracted to trying things completely off-the-wall,” Ferrell remarked, reflecting on the bond forged during their time on Saturday Night Live.
Steele spoke candidly about sending out the email announcing her transition, describing it as horrifically challenging. “I had probably thought about sending it every day for three months. So it was really hard,” she shared, illuminating the emotional weight behind the letter.
Ferrell, on receiving Steele’s email, was honored and ecstatic. “It was as surprising a piece of news as I’ve ever received... I just knew this was real and must have been extremely difficult to send,” he admitted. This emotional backdrop laid the groundwork for their adventurous documentary project.
Throughout filming, both have engaged in meaningful dialogue, tackling sensitive subjects with humor and warmth. The film intertwines their candid inquiries and laughter, showcasing how friendship can blossom even during life’s hardest transitions.
“It felt vulnerable from the get-go because of the cameras. It took us about three days to forget about them,” Ferrell mentioned, adding depth to the on-screen transformations they experienced together.
On January 16, Ferrell returns to the spotlight with his contributions to the new documentary SNL 50: Beyond Saturday Night premiering on Peacock. This four-part series celebrates the legacy of one of the most impactful sketch shows ever made. Ferrell, along with over 60 contributors from past and current cast members, reflects on the show’s history, process, and its cultural significance.
“At its core, this documentary reveals the talent, creativity, and outright chaos inside the SNL writers’ room,” Ferrell said of the series, which includes episodes dedicated to iconic moments like the legendary More Cowbell sketch and pivotal seasons.
Will Ferrell continues to showcase his comedic prowess and beloved characters through these diverse projects. From films filled with fantasy and laughter to heartfelt documentaries exploring real-life challenges, he remains a significant force of creativity and laughter. His capacity to balance the humorous with the poignant exemplifies what keeps audiences connected to his work.
Whether it’s through extravagant comedic characters or significant life narratives, Ferrell's projects resonate, underscoring the enduring power of friendship, laughter, and the human experience.