Will Ferrell and Molly Shannon: A 30-Year Comedy Friendship in "The Hawk"

Published July 15, 2026, 8:02 a.m. ET

A Long Comedy History

Will Ferrell and Molly Shannon are two funny people who have been making us laugh together for a very long time.

• They first worked together on a TV show called "Saturday Night Live" (a weekly comedy program with silly skits).
• They were in the 1999 movie "Superstar".
• They were also in the 2006 movie "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby".
• Now, they are back together in a new Netflix comedy called "The Hawk".

Ferrell (age 58) says he never doubted that Shannon would be perfect for playing his "estranged wife" (a wife he is separated from and not close to) in this new movie.

Important Point: Will Ferrell was 100% sure Molly Shannon would nail her role because they understand each other’s comedy style so well.

What Is "The Hawk" About?

"The Hawk" comes out on Thursday, July 16. Here is the simple version of the story:

• Ferrell plays Lonnie Hawkins, a golf superstar from the past who thinks he is amazing but is not liked, and wants to be famous again.
• Shannon plays Stacy, a socialite (someone who loves fancy parties) and business owner who really, really dislikes Lonnie.
• When they are apart, they are both a little out of control.
• When they are together, they are full of dislike for each other but also some weird love feelings (called "sexual tension").

Ferrell says about Shannon’s character: "It has to be very hot and cold. She loves being part of the golf world… but you can also just turn on a dime." That means she can switch from nice to mean very fast, and few people can do that funny switch like Shannon.

How Their Friendship Started

Their friendship is about 30 years old! Here is how it began:

1. A friend introduced Shannon to Ferrell at a restaurant.
2. Shannon bought him a scone (a small cake) and a latte (a milky coffee).
3. In 1995, they both joined "Saturday Night Live".
4. They often acted together, especially in a funny character bit called Mary Katherine Gallagher, which later became the movie "Superstar".

Molly Shannon Applauds Will Ferrell’s Genius

Their stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (special sidewalk stars for famous people) are right next to each other. When Shannon got hers in June, Ferrell gave a sweet speech. He said she helped save "SNL" when many new actors joined in Season 21.

Shannon, age 61, says:

• She respects Will a lot.
• Watching him become a huge star has been a joy.
• People do not give him enough credit for being a smart writer.

Ferrell has written funny movies like:

• "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy" (2003)
• "Talladega Nights" (2006, where Shannon also appeared)

Shannon says: "If Will weren’t a performer, he could just be a very successful writer… His ability to eyeball a scene… he’s brilliant."

Ferrell joked back: "I do have a doctorate from USC. I mean, honorary." (A fake degree given as an honor, not a real one.)

Jimmy Tatro on Playing Their Son

In "The Hawk", their son is Lance, played by Jimmy Tatro.

• Lance is an adult whose parents have a weird, mean marriage.
• He starts to not like golf, but wants to beat his dad to get his love.
• Stacy (mom) knows he will never get that love from Lonnie.

How did Tatro get the role?

1. He played golf with Ferrell.
2. Ferrell says the choice was not because of his golf skills!
3. Ferrell thought Tatro was the right age and knew how to play the "confident but confused" son.

Tatro is taller than Ferrell (6-foot-5 vs 5-foot-10), but it still made sense. He said: "It was a dream come true to have those be my parents."

Important Point: All episodes of "The Hawk" Season 1 premiere on Netflix on July 16.

Summary

Will Ferrell and Molly Shannon have been friends for 30 years and comic partners for most of that time. Their new Netflix show "The Hawk" (out July 16) stars them as a dislike-filled married couple with a son played by Jimmy Tatro. Ferrell knew Shannon would be perfect for the role, and Shannon says Ferrell is not just funny but a comedy writing genius. Their real-life friendship makes the on-screen chaos even better.

FAQ

Q: When does "The Hawk" come out?
A: All Season 1 episodes premiere on Netflix on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Q: What is "The Hawk" about in simple words?
A: It is a comedy where Will Ferrell plays a washed-up golf legend and Molly Shannon plays his hateful wife, and their son tries to win dad’s love through golf.

Q: How did Will Ferrell and Molly Shannon meet?
A: A friend introduced them at a restaurant about 30 years ago, and Shannon bought him a scone and latte. They later both joined "Saturday Night Live" in 1995.

Q: Who plays their son in the show?
A: Jimmy Tatro plays Lance, their adult son who struggles with golf and his father’s approval.