Will Ferrell Unveils Definitive Rankings of Iconic Sports Movie Characters

Netflix is set to launch its new 10-episode sports comedy series, "The Hawk," on July 16th. The show centers on Lonnie "The Hawk" Hawkins, an aging golf legend portrayed by Will Ferrell, who is determined to stage a comeback. After losing to his rival, Golden Fisk (Luke Wilson), Lonnie's career stalled, his marriage to Stacy (Molly Shannon) is in jeopardy, and his son, Lance (Jimmy Tatro), is becoming a golf star in his own right. Believing his glory days are not over, Lonnie enlists a new caddy, played by Fortune Feimster, in his quest for a triumphant return.

Collider's Meredith Loftus recently interviewed stars Will Ferrell and Molly Shannon about the series. Ferrell shared insights into the development process, emphasizing that assembling the right creative team and a "friend-filled cast" was crucial for the show's potential. He noted that the goal was to create a cinematic experience with lush golf course visuals, a compelling sports arc, and outlandish, imperfect characters constantly at odds. The casting, which includes longtime collaborators like Shannon, Luke Wilson, and Fortune Feimster, was instrumental in bringing this vision to life.

Ferrell and Shannon, whose dynamic has remained largely consistent since their time on Saturday Night Live, also discussed their professional relationship. Shannon highlighted Ferrell's ability to create a supportive environment by working with friends, which she considers a special skill. They both acknowledged a shared understanding of humor, stating they would "never have an argument over what we both think is funny." Shannon also recounted a personal lesson from Ferrell about not worrying about sleep before early morning shoots, demonstrating his unique approach to performance and resilience.

The interview also touched upon a fun comparison of Will Ferrell's iconic athletic characters. When asked to rank Lonnie Hawkins against Ricky Bobby (NASCAR), Chazz Michael Michaels (figure skater), and Jackie Moon (ABA basketball), Molly Shannon initially struggled. Ferrell, however, offered his athletic ranking: Chazz Michael Michaels first due to the difficulty of ice skating, followed by Jackie Moon, then Lonnie Hawkins, and finally Ricky Bobby, acknowledging that race car driving is less about pure athleticism. "The Hawk" promises to be a hilarious addition to Netflix's comedy lineup, showcasing Ferrell's return to sports-themed humor with a star-studded cast.