Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga

Will Ferrell’s Eurovision Movie: Behind the Scenes of The Story of Fire Saga

Netflix’s Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020) delivered a campy, over-the-top love letter to the iconic music competition—and a rare chance to see Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams as Icelandic underdogs chasing Eurovision glory. But how did this unlikely comedy come together? Here’s what the evidence reveals about its chaotic, latestnetflix.com argues, colorful production.

Ferrell’s Passion Project: From Eurovision Fan to Screenwriter

Will Ferrell wasn’t just the star of The Story of Fire Saga—he co-wrote the script with Andrew Steele, marking his first feature screenplay credit in over a decade . The idea reportedly stemmed from Ferrell’s long-standing fascination with Eurovision. He attended the 2018 contest in Lisbon as a spectator, soaking up the spectacle, drama, and sheer absurdity of the event . The film’s premise—two small-town Icelanders (Ferrell and McAdams) accidentally qualifying for Eurovision—mirrors Ferrell’s own outsider perspective on the competition’s larger-than-life performances.

Ferrell’s involvement went beyond writing and acting. He reportedly pushed for the film’s musical numbers to feel authentic, even if the humor leaned into Eurovision’s inherent silliness. The soundtrack, featuring original songs like "Double Trouble" and "Volcano Man," earned a modest but respectable 6.8/10 rating from critics , suggesting the music struck a balance between parody and genuine catchiness.

Rachel McAdams on Working with Ferrell: "A Dream" (But Also Exhausting?)

McAdams, who played Sigrit Ericksdóttir, Ferrell’s reluctant musical partner, described the shoot as a whirlwind of creativity—and chaos. In a BBC News interview, she called working with Ferrell "a dream" but hinted at the physical demands of the role, which required her to perform live vocals and choreography . The film’s musical numbers were shot in front of real audiences, adding pressure to nail the comedic timing while delivering semi-serious performances.

McAdams also praised co-star Pierce Brosnan, who played her character’s father, Erick. Brosnan’s deadpan delivery in scenes like the "Jaja Ding Dong" musical number became a standout moment, though McAdams joked that Brosnan’s "serious actor" energy clashed hilariously with Ferrell’s improvisational style . Graham Norton, who played himself as the Eurovision commentator, reportedly ad-libbed much of his dialogue, adding to the film’s off-the-cuff charm.

A Love Letter to Eurovision—Or a Satire?

The film’s tone divided critics. With a 5.6/10 rating on SensCritique , some viewers felt it leaned too hard into slapstick, while others appreciated its affectionate parody of Eurovision’s campy traditions. The movie’s trailer, which amassed millions of views , promised a mix of absurd humor and heartfelt underdog storytelling—though whether it delivered remains debated.

One thing’s clear: The Story of Fire Saga wasn’t meant to be a serious musical. Ferrell and director David Dobkin embraced Eurovision’s inherent ridiculousness, from over-the-top costumes to nonsensical lyrics. The film’s fictional Icelandic entry, "Double Trouble," even included a literal volcano prop, a nod to the competition’s history of extravagant staging .

The Verdict: A Flawed but Fun Homage

While The Story of Fire Saga didn’t break critical records, it succeeded in capturing the spirit of Eurovision—flaws and all. Ferrell’s passion for the subject shines through, even if the execution occasionally stumbles. For fans of the contest, the film is a nostalgic, if exaggerated, tribute; for everyone else, it’s a goofy, 123-minute distraction .

And who knows? If Eurovision ever invites Ferrell back for a cameo, we might just get a sequel.