The Hawk

Will Ferrell and Molly Shannon’s Golf Comedy The Hawk Takes Flight—But Was It Smooth Sailing?

Netflix’s The Hawk (2026) marks Will Ferrell’s first foray into leading a comedy television series, and the project reunites him with longtime collaborator Molly Shannon for a satirical swing at the world of professional golf. Early buzz suggests the show’s blend of sports absurdity and Ferrell’s signature humor is hitting the green—but behind-the-scenes details reveal a mix of effortless chemistry, last-minute casting twists, and a production that leaned into improvisation more than scripted precision.

The Reunion: Ferrell and Shannon’s On-Screen Magic

Will Ferrell and Molly Shannon’s history stretches back to SNL in the late ’90s, where they became fast friends and frequent collaborators. Their filmography together includes cult classics like Superstar (1999) and A Night at the Roxbury (1998), but The Hawk is their first major on-screen pairing in over two decades. Both stars have been vocal about the joy of working together again, with Shannon telling The Daily Show that she “said ‘hell yes’ to the project before even seeing the script”. Ferrell echoed the sentiment in a Netflix interview, calling their dynamic “a well-oiled machine” and praising Shannon’s ability to “make anything funnier just by standing next to it”.

Their chemistry is central to The Hawk, where Shannon plays Lonnie Hawkins’ (Ferrell) fiery ex-wife, a role that reportedly expanded as the series developed. Sources suggest Shannon’s character was originally written as a more subdued figure, but her improvisational skills—honed during her SNL days—led to a “more chaotic, scene-stealing” version of the role. Ferrell, known for his own improv-heavy style, allegedly encouraged the shift, telling the Forbes set reporter that “Molly’s energy is infectious, and we just let it run wild”.

Casting Surprises and Last-Minute Changes

While Ferrell and Shannon anchor the series, the supporting cast includes Jimmy Tatro (American Vandal) and Fortune Feimster (The Mindy Project), both of whom joined the project relatively late in the game. According to a Netflix Tudum cast guide, Tatro plays Lonnie’s skeptical caddy, while Feimster takes on the role of a no-nonsense golf commentator. However, rumors suggest the original casting for these roles was different.

A now-deleted TikTok post from an industry insider (later reposted by actor Katelyn Tarver) hinted that The Hawk underwent “multiple casting shake-ups” in early 2025, with at least one major role recast after table reads revealed “tone issues”. Neither Netflix nor the show’s creators have confirmed the specifics, but sources close to the production told MSN that Tatro was a “late addition” after the original actor “didn’t gel with Ferrell’s rhythm”. Feimster, meanwhile, was reportedly brought in after impressing the creators with an unscripted audition that “stole the room”.

Production: Golf Balls, Improv, and a “Controlled Chaos” Set

Filming for The Hawk took place primarily in Georgia and California, with the golf scenes shot at real PGA Tour venues—though not without challenges. A Forbes set visit revealed that Ferrell, a self-proclaimed “terrible golfer,” spent weeks training with a coach to “look semi-competent” on camera. The effort paid off, with Ferrell later joking that he “only hit one crew member with a stray ball” during production.

The show’s creators—Ferrell, Chris Henchy, and Harper Steele—are known for their improv-friendly approach, and The Hawk was no exception. Multiple sources confirm that large portions of the script were rewritten on the fly, with Ferrell and Shannon often riffing entire scenes based on “what felt funny in the moment”. This led to some tension with the show’s directors (whose names remain unconfirmed in available sources), with one BroadwayWorld report noting that “not everyone was on board with the lack of structure”. However, the final product seems to have benefited from the spontaneity, with early reviews praising the show’s “unpredictable, off-the-cuff energy”.

Rumors and Unconfirmed Drama

Despite the mostly positive buzz, a few whispers of behind-the-scenes friction have emerged. A since-deleted Reddit post from a purported crew member claimed that “multiple episodes went over budget” due to Ferrell’s insistence on reshooting scenes for comedic timing [unverified]. Another rumor, sourced to an anonymous Variety tipster, suggested that Netflix executives were “nervous about the golf angle” and pushed for more traditional sitcom elements in early cuts [unverified]. Neither claim has been substantiated, and Netflix has not commented on production delays or budget overruns.

There’s been speculation about a potential second season. While Netflix has not officially renewed The Hawk, Ferrell hinted in a Netflix Tudum interview that he’d “love to explore more of Lonnie’s delusional comeback”. Shannon, meanwhile, has been more circumspect, telling MSN that she’s “just happy to have worked with Will again”.

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Title Origins: The show’s name, The Hawk, is a nod to Lonnie Hawkins’ nickname on the PGA Tour, though the origins of the moniker remain a running gag in the series. - Shannon’s Golf Skills: Unlike Ferrell, Molly Shannon is reportedly a “decent golfer,” having played recreationally for years. She allegedly used her skills to “school Ferrell between takes”. - Cameo Alert: Rumors persist that Tiger Woods filmed a cameo as himself, though neither Netflix nor Woods’ team has confirmed the appearance [unverified]. - Soundtrack: The show’s score includes a recurring gag where Lonnie’s walk-up music changes each episode, ranging from Eye of the Tiger to Careless Whisper.