Will Ferrell, the king of over-the-top sports comedies like Talladega Nights, Semi-Pro, and Blades of Glory, is returning to the genre that made him a household name—but this time on the small screen. Netflix’s upcoming series The Hawk marks Ferrell’s first lead role in a scripted television comedy, and it’s all about the genteel (yet hilariously chaotic) world of professional golf.
The show, which recently received its official title and a summer 2026 premiere window on Netflix, stars Ferrell as Lonnie “The Hawk” Hawkins. Once the undisputed number-one golfer in 2004, Hawkins is now well past his prime, grappling with a body that no longer cooperates and a career that’s firmly on the “back nine.” Undeterred, he refuses to accept retirement and launches a comeback attempt to recapture his former glory—perhaps even chasing the elusive completion of golf’s Grand Slam.
The teaser released by Netflix captures Ferrell in full character: sporting a hot pink golf shirt, a white visor emblazoned with “Hawk,” curly platinum-blonde hair, and a matching goatee. As dramatic music swells, a voiceover declares the return of “a legend… an icon… a champion… an American hero.” It’s classic Ferrell—equal parts absurd confidence and impending disaster.
The series promises the kind of foul-mouthed, ensemble-driven humor fans expect from Ferrell’s projects. Hawkins faces not only aging and physical decline but also family drama and rivalries. His ex-wife Stacy is played by Saturday Night Live alum Molly Shannon, described as foul-mouthed and sharp-tongued. Adding generational tension, Hawkins’ son Lance—himself a talented pro golfer—is portrayed by Jimmy Tatro. The cast rounds out with a strong supporting lineup:
- Fortune Feimster as Sam, Hawkins’ new caddie and potential good-luck charm
- Chris Parnell as Anton, a smug PGA Tour board member
- Katelyn Tarver as Natalie, Lance’s supportive fiancée and social media influencer
- David Hornsby as Radford, Stacy’s wealthy Southern boyfriend
- Luke Wilson as a rival pro golfer who has beaten Hawkins for the tour championship twice before
Recurring roles include Gabe Hogan and Aida Osman, adding even more comedic depth to the mix.
The Hawk is a 10-episode comedy created by Ferrell himself, produced under his Gloria Sanchez Productions banner alongside Jessica Elbaum and Alix Taylor. It also boasts executive production from Rian Johnson and Ram Bergman via T-Street Productions. The PGA Tour serves as a partner on the project, lending authenticity to the golf world backdrop.
Development on the series (initially known simply as Golf) began in 2023, with filming underway in Los Angeles by 2025. Production hit a brief snag when Ferrell suffered a minor injury on set, temporarily halting shooting, but the team has since recovered and pushed forward.
In a landscape where golf comedies are surging—think Adam Sandler’s Happy Gilmore 2 on Netflix and Owen Wilson’s Stick on Apple TV—The Hawk positions itself as Ferrell’s signature take: irreverent, character-driven, and packed with the kind of larger-than-life antics that define his best work. Whether Hawkins sinks the putt or shanks it into the water hazard remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: this summer, Netflix is handing Ferrell the driver, and fans are ready for the drive.
The Hawk premieres on Netflix in summer 2026.
