Will Ferrell is back on the fairway with a brand-new sports comedy, The Hawk, premiering on Netflix. The series follows Lonnie 'The Hawk' Hawkins (Ferrell), a once-dominant golfer who lost his edge after a crushing defeat to rival Golden Fisk (Luke Wilson). Now, with his marriage to Stacy (Molly Shannon) on shaky ground and his son Lance (Jimmy Tatro) rising as a golf prodigy, Lonnie is determined to stage a comeback—with the help of a new caddy played by Fortune Feimster.
In a recent interview with Collider, Ferrell and Shannon opened up about their decades-long creative partnership, the making of The Hawk, and—most importantly—ranked Ferrell's most memorable sports characters. The duo, who first worked together on Saturday Night Live, have a shorthand that makes their collaborations seamless. 'We're never going to have an argument over what we both think is funny,' Ferrell said, citing their Cord and Tish Rose Parade sketches as an example of their instant chemistry.
Building 'The Hawk'
Ferrell explained that the key to The Hawk's success was assembling a top-notch creative team and cast. 'We wanted to make it feel cinematic, lush and beautiful on the golf course, but with outlandish, imperfect characters at each other's throats,' he said. Shannon praised Ferrell's ability to surround himself with supportive collaborators, noting, 'It really feels like Will put together a great team.'
The series also features a strong ensemble, including Luke Wilson, Fortune Feimster, and Jimmy Tatro, all of whom bring their own competitive energy. When asked who would win a mini-golf tournament among the cast, Ferrell guessed Feimster would excel, while Tatro and Wilson would get overly competitive. Shannon and Ferrell admitted they'd probably just enjoy the game without caring about the score.
Ranking Ferrell's Sports Characters
In a highlight of the interview, Shannon was tasked with ranking four of Ferrell's iconic sports characters: Ricky Bobby (Talladega Nights), Lonnie Hawkins (The Hawk), Chazz Michael Michaels (Blades of Glory), and Jackie Moon (Semi-Pro). After a moment of serious deliberation, she placed Lonnie first, followed by Ricky Bobby, then Chazz, and finally Jackie Moon. Ferrell laughed at her earnestness, but the ranking offers a fun glimpse into how the actor's latest character stacks up against his legendary roster.
Ferrell acknowledged the physical demands of playing these roles, especially the ice-skating in Blades of Glory. 'Ice skating is hard, let's face it,' he said. But with The Hawk, he's found a character that combines his love of sports comedy with a more nuanced, flawed protagonist.
A Partnership Built on Trust
Shannon and Ferrell's friendship extends beyond the screen. Shannon recalled a moment during their Cord and Tish Rose Parade gig when she was nervous about waking up at 2 a.m. Ferrell's calm demeanor taught her not to stress about sleep. 'Will's constantly on my mind when I'm shooting. He doesn't care about that. He's fine with any amount of sleep,' she said. That trust and mutual respect are evident in their on-screen chemistry.
For fans of Ferrell's sports comedies, The Hawk promises to deliver the same blend of absurdity and heart that made Talladega Nights and Blades of Glory classics. As Ferrell put it, 'We want to have outlandish characters who are imperfect people, at their throats all the time.' And with Shannon by his side, the comedy is sure to hit the mark.
Stream The Hawk on Netflix now, and see if you agree with Shannon's ranking. For more on Netflix's latest offerings, check out our top picks for July 13, 2026.
