Discovering Magnus Ferrell: The Rising Musician and His Special Bond with Dad Will Ferrell, Plus Their Hilarious Frat Party Encounter!

Magnus was born in 2004

Following in his father’s tracks, Magnus is enrolled at the University of Southern California. Despite focusing on acting, he has been actively pursuing a music career, dropping several singles and signing with Republic Records.

Magnus has swiftly earned a reputation on campus. In October 2023, his dad entertained students with a surprise DJ set during one of his fraternity’s tailgate parties — an event that later went viral on TikTok.

Will joined Magnus onstage for one of his band’s performances

The aspiring artist has showcased his skills playing the keyboard and singing with a band, delivering both original compositions and covers. In December 2022, he debuted live in San Diego, opening for the Psychedelic Furs. His performance included three original tracks and a cover of Radiohead’s “Creep,” with a special appearance from his renowned dad.

During Will’s unexpected onstage visit, he revived his iconic “More Cowbell” bit from season 5 of SNL. Clad in a hoodie that read “Hot Buttered Soul,” the actor joined Magnus’ group onstage, much to the audience’s excitement.

This performance was part of a benefit concert for Cancer for College, a scholarship fund established by Will’s long-time associate Craig Pollard, as noted by Rolling Stone.

He’s close with his dad’s famous friends

In a 2024 chat on the Lightweights Podcast with Joe Vulpis, Magnus was invited to name the “wildest guest at a family dinner.” Without a moment’s hesitation, he pointed out his dad’s longtime companion and Step Brothers co-star, John C. Reilly.

“We were hosting a Christmas gathering with close friends and family,” Magnus reminisced. “John C. Reilly was present. Initially, it was quite ordinary. Then, at one point, he just began singing opera.”

The surprising moment left a memorable mark. Magnus recounted how Reilly didn’t just echo a few notes — he performed an entire aria. “It was fascinating! It was strange! But then you think, ‘Wait, this is hilarious,’ ” the musician expressed.

Magnus likes to joke around with his dad

Magnus and his siblings demonstrated they consistently support their dad — literally — when they rushed to assist him during a red carpet blunder in September 2024.

While at the premiere of his documentary Will & Harper at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, Will was in the midst of an interview when Magnus and Mattias noticed an issue with his outfit. The back seams of his navy jacket were still stitched together, and rather than allow their dad to continue in that state, the brothers took action.

In a now-famous clip shared by The Hollywood Reporter, Magnus and Mattias are shown crouching behind their dad, trying to detach the fabric. When their attempts weren’t sufficient, they swiftly returned with scissors to complete the task. Ever the jester, Will playfully referred to his kids as “primates” during the process.

One of his songs was featured in one of his father’s films

Magnus’ track “Slow Down” found its way onto the soundtrack of You’re Cordially Invited, a 2025 romantic comedy featuring his father and Reese Witherspoon. This song, a joint effort with Witherspoon’s son, Deacon Phillippe, came into being when Magnus and his college roommate decided to explore new sounds, creating what he previously described to PEOPLE as a “really peculiar, super-fast, kind of Latin” piece.

Initially intended as a creative outlet, the track became an unexpected opportunity when his dad, in the middle of filming, mentioned that the production was still in search of a song for a party scene.

After Will presented it to them, the filmmakers were thrilled, and Magnus’ song officially made it into the movie. “I have an incredible support network and individuals who genuinely believe in me,” he shared with PEOPLE. “I’m just so fortunate to have found such a wonderful group of people.”

Magnus hasn’t seen all of his dad’s movies

Magnus has not yet seen his father’s full film collection. On the Lightweights Podcast, he admitted that there are still many of his dad’s films he hasn’t viewed — including Blades of Glory.

“There are several movies I still haven’t gotten around to watching, just because I haven’t seen them,” Magnus remarked, describing his unfamiliarity with Blades of Glory as “somewhat a crime.” Nevertheless, he does have a favorite among his father’s works — Step Brothers. “I just find it hilarious,” he noted.