Will Ferrell’s new Netflix comedy series The Hawk has been one of the streamer’s biggest hits since its July 16 debut, and viewers are wondering if the golf comeback story is rooted in a true story.
Is ‘The Hawk’ based on a true story?
No. The Hawk is an original comedy conceived and co-written by Ferrell. According to Netflix’s Tudum, the series follows Lonnie Hawkins, 2004’s number one golfer, who struggles to recapture his magic late in his career. With one more major to win to complete golf’s Grand Slam, Lonnie refuses to believe he’s anything other than one stroke away from the greatest comeback in golf history. Lonnie Hawkins is a purely fictional character.
Is ‘The Hawk’ inspired by anything real?
The project has a longer backstory than most viewers realize. When the show was first reported in 2023, it was conceived as a thinly veiled take on the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Tour, a controversial rival to the PGA, per Variety. Comedian Ramy Youssef boarded as a co-creator in 2024, only to exit months later over creative differences, per Deadline. In the final version, LIV Golf is only briefly mentioned, with the story refocused on Lonnie’s comeback and his relationship with his son Lance, per Variety.
Who stars in ‘The Hawk’?
Ferrell leads the cast as Lonnie “The Hawk” Hawkins alongside Jimmy Tatro as his son Lance, Molly Shannon as his ex-wife Stacy, Fortune Feimster as his new caddie Sam, Keith David as Old Henry, Lonnie’s longtime caddie, and Aida Osman, Chris Parnell, Katelyn Tarver and David Hornsby in supporting roles. Tony Hawk also appears as himself in the series.
The series marks Ferrell’s first scripted television comedy lead, per Tudum. He created the show alongside Harper Steele and Chris Henchy and executive produces through his Gloria Sanchez Productions banner.
The Hawk is now streaming on Netflix.
Featured image photo credit: Netflix
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