Will Ferrell reunites with long-time collaborators for Netflix golf comedy The Hawk
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(From left) Luke Wilson, Will Ferrell, Molly Shannon, Fortune Feimster and Jimmy Tatro at the premiere of Netflix series The Hawk in Los Angeles on July 9.
PHOTO: EPA
LOS ANGELES – For American actor Will Ferrell, assembling a cast filled with familiar faces for Netflix golf comedy series The Hawk added a special chemistry that elevated the show.
The star of Step Brothers (2008) and Anchorman (2004) recalled many shared laughs that went beyond the humour of the series.
“Some of the more fun parts were just sitting around the monitor, and Molly (Shannon), Chris Parnell and I reading SNL (Saturday Night Live) stories,” Ferrell said.
SNL first aired in 1975.
The 59-year-old added that there was a unique energy and rapport on set compared with other projects because the series was created by him and long-time friends.
Ferrell plays lead character Lonnie Hawkins alongside his real-life close pals: former SNL writer Harper Steele and The Other Guys (2010) director Chris Henchy.
The cast also includes Shannon as Lonnie’s estranged wife Stacy; Jimmy Tatro as Lonnie’s resentful son and fellow golfer Lance; and Fortune Feimster as Sam, Lonnie’s caddie.
The show follows Lonnie, a golfer whose career peaked in 2004, as he attempts to recapture his former success later in life.
Despite tensions within his family, he is determined to make a comeback.
Shannon – who has collaborated with Ferrell for decades, dating back to their time as SNL cast members in 1995 – said it was difficult to scream at him while playing Stacy.
“It was hard because I’m so close to Will,” said the 61-year-old American actress.
Meanwhile, American actor Tatro, 34, said he was amused to portray a character who resents his father.
“It was funny to hate someone so much in a show that I admire so much in real life,” he added.
Jimmy Tatro (left) and Will Ferrell in The Hawk.
PHOTO: NETFLIX
Ferrell, who has starred in many sports comedies, said he was drawn to creating a series centred on people whose lives revolve around golf.
“I’ve always been fascinated with the world of golf,” he said.
“It’s like such a tortured existence for these men and women, who just stand over a ball six hours a day taking shots and have to be perfect. And I thought, ‘Oh, that must drive you crazy’,” he added. REUTERS
The Hawk is available on Netflix.
