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In March 2022, Will Ferrell reprised his role as Jackie Moon from the 2008 basketball comedy film 'Semi-Pro' to warm up with the Golden State Warriors before their game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Ferrell's appearance came about after the Warriors coach, Steve Kerr, exchanged emails with the actor, knowing that Warriors star Klay Thompson enjoyed dressing up as Jackie Moon. Ferrell's surprise appearance included shooting hoops with Warriors star Stephen Curry and working on his foul shots, shooting underhand.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Will Ferrell's appearance | 9 March 2022 |
| Team he warmed up with | Golden State Warriors |
| Opponent | Los Angeles Clippers |
| Venue | San Francisco's Chase Center |
| Character portrayed | Jackie Moon |
| Film | Semi-Pro |
| Year of film release | 2008 |
| Film director | Kent Alterman |
| Film writer | Scot Armstrong |
| Film producer | Jimmy Miller |
| Other cast members | Woody Harrelson, André 3000/André Benjamin, Maura Tierney |
| Film location | Los Angeles, Detroit, Flint, Michigan |
| Film release date | 19 February 2008 |
| DVD and Blu-ray release date | 3 June 2008 |
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What You'll Learn
- Will Ferrell dressed as Jackie Moon to warm up with the Golden State Warriors
- Ferrell's appearance was a nice way to shake things up for the team
- Ferrell's 2008 movie 'Semi-Pro' was shot in Los Angeles, Detroit, and Flint, Michigan
- Former NBA players, Artis Gilmore and George Gervin, appeared in uncredited roles in 'Semi-Pro'
- The official Jackie Moon 'Semi-Pro' costume was released in summer 2008 for Halloween
Will Ferrell dressed as Jackie Moon to warm up with the Golden State Warriors
Will Ferrell, dressed as Jackie Moon, warmed up with the Golden State Warriors before their game against the Los Angeles Clippers at San Francisco's Chase Center. Ferrell, who portrayed the basketball star in the 2008 movie "Semi-Pro," wore the full fictional Flint Tropics uniform, including knee pads, wristbands, and a headband. The actor's appearance added a touch of levity for the Warriors, who had lost five games in a row prior to the contest.
Ferrell's warm-up session with the Warriors came about after he exchanged emails with the team's coach, Steve Kerr. Kerr revealed that Ferrell, a huge Klay Thompson fan, was aware of Thompson's fondness for dressing up as Jackie Moon, and thus, it was a natural fit. Thompson, who had previously dressed as the character for Halloween, broke into a smile when he saw Ferrell and greeted him with a fist bump.
During the warm-up session, Ferrell interacted with the Warriors players, including Thompson and Stephen Curry. He hit a half-court shot and worked on foul shots alongside Curry, shooting underhand. Ferrell's presence brought laughter and a change of pace for the Warriors, with Thompson commenting that it was one of the most fun experiences he had had on the court that year.
Ferrell's appearance as Jackie Moon was not the first time he had promoted the character and the film "Semi-Pro." Prior to its release, Ferrell attended a prescreening at the Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, Texas, where all viewers were required to wear basketball uniforms similar to the one he wore in the film. Additionally, an official Jackie Moon costume was released for Halloween in 2008, and Ferrell posed with Heidi Klum for a Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue spread.
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Ferrell's appearance was a nice way to shake things up for the team
Will Ferrell's appearance as Jackie Moon, the basketball star he portrayed in his 2008 movie "Semi-Pro," was a fun and unexpected way to boost the morale of the Golden State Warriors. The team had been on a losing streak, dropping five games in a row and seven of their last eight before Ferrell's arrival.
Ferrell's commitment to the bit, dressing in the full fictional Flint Tropics uniform, brought a much-needed smile to the faces of the Warriors players, including star shooter Klay Thompson, who is a huge fan of the actor. The comedic relief of seeing Ferrell on the court, exchanging a fist bump with Thompson, and then working on his foul shots alongside Warriors star Stephen Curry, provided a light-hearted break from the team's recent struggles.
Ferrell's appearance was more than just a fun distraction; it also served as a catalyst for the team's improved performance. Thompson himself acknowledged the positive impact of Ferrell's presence, stating that it was "some of the most fun I've had on the court this year," and that Ferrell "was a huge catalyst for why we came out guns blazing." The change in atmosphere and the boost in team spirit that Ferrell brought to the court contributed to the Warriors' victory that night.
The idea for Ferrell's appearance came about through emails exchanged between Warriors coach Steve Kerr and the actor. Knowing Klay Thompson's admiration for Ferrell and his love for dressing up as Jackie Moon, Kerr felt it was a natural fit and "a good time to do it." Ferrell's visit to the locker room and his interactions with the team brought laughter and a much-needed shift in energy. His appearance was a well-timed surprise that helped the Warriors break out of their slump and regain their momentum.
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Ferrell's 2008 movie 'Semi-Pro' was shot in Los Angeles, Detroit, and Flint, Michigan
Will Ferrell's love for basketball is well-known. The actor dressed up as Jackie Moon, the basketball star he portrayed in his 2008 movie "Semi-Pro", while taking part in warm-ups with the NBA's Golden State Warriors. Ferrell's movie "Semi-Pro" was shot in Los Angeles, Detroit, and Flint, Michigan.
"Semi-Pro" was filmed in the gym of the Los Angeles City Fire Department Training Center, near Dodger Stadium, which was transformed into a basketball arena for the film. Exterior scenes of the "Flint Fairgrounds Coliseum" were filmed in Detroit. The film was also shot in Flint, Michigan.
"Semi-Pro" is an American sports comedy film directed by Kent Alterman, written by Scot Armstrong, and produced by Jimmy Miller. It stars Will Ferrell, Woody Harrelson, André 3000 (credited as André Benjamin), and Maura Tierney. The film is set during the final season of the American Basketball Association and tells the story of a fictional ABA team desperate to survive the league's merger with the NBA.
In the movie, Will Ferrell's character, Jackie Moon, is the owner, player, and coach of the failing Flint Tropics, famous for the ageing disco hit "Love Me Sexy". The film also features a scene where Ferrell's character wrestles a 7-foot-tall, 700-pound male grizzly bear named Rocky to promote his basketball team.
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Former NBA players, Artis Gilmore and George Gervin, appeared in uncredited roles in 'Semi-Pro'
Will Ferrell's 2008 sports comedy film, Semi-Pro, featured several notable appearances by former NBA players and other celebrities. The film is set during the final season of the American Basketball Association and tells the story of a fictional ABA team struggling to survive the league's merger with the NBA.
Among the uncredited roles in the film were former NBA players Artis Gilmore and George Gervin, who appeared as customers in a restaurant scene. Gilmore, a 7-foot-2 tall centre, had a illustrious career in both the ABA and the NBA. He played for teams like the Kentucky Colonels and the Chicago Bulls, and was a dominant force on the court, known for his rebounding prowess and all-around skills. Gilmore was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011, recognising his outstanding achievements in the sport.
On the other hand, George Gervin, nicknamed "The Iceman", was a 6'8" shooting guard who teamed up with Gilmore after the latter was traded to the San Antonio Spurs in 1982. Together, they formed a formidable duo, leading the Spurs to a first-place finish in their division during the 1982-83 season. Gervin's skill and impact on the court were undeniable, making him a valuable asset to any team he played for.
The appearances of Gilmore and Gervin in Semi-Pro added an extra layer of authenticity to the film, given their storied careers in professional basketball. Their presence in the restaurant scene, even without official credits, would have been recognisable to basketball fans and added a touch of realism to the fictional story of the Flint Tropics.
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The official Jackie Moon 'Semi-Pro' costume was released in summer 2008 for Halloween
The 2008 sports comedy film Semi-Pro features Will Ferrell as Jackie Moon, the owner, player, and coach of the fictional basketball team, the Flint Tropics. The film is set in 1976 and follows the story of Jackie Moon, a famous singer who, after striking gold with a one-hit wonder, decides to buy a basketball team on a whim.
Jackie Moon's character is flamboyant, hilarious, and eccentric, with an over-the-top personality and unique style. His basketball uniform is bright and colourful, complete with knee pads, wristbands, and a headband. To capture the essence of Jackie Moon, one must focus on his comedic, confident, and sometimes absurd personality. His catchy phrases and songs are also an integral part of his character.
The official Jackie Moon Semi-Pro costume was released in the summer of 2008, just a few months after the film's theatrical release, and in time for Halloween. The costume includes a shirt, shorts, wig, headband, socks, and wristbands—everything one needs to transform into the iconic 1970s basketball player.
The release of the official costume highlights the popularity of the character and the film among fans, who were now able to fully immerse themselves in the world of Semi-Pro and channel their inner basketball star.
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Frequently asked questions
Will Ferrell dressed up as Jackie Moon, the basketball star he portrayed in his 2008 movie "Semi-Pro".
Will Ferrell played the role of Jackie Moon, the owner, player, and coach of the fictional basketball team, the Flint Tropics.
"Semi-Pro" is a sports comedy film set during the final season of the American Basketball Association. It tells the story of a fictional ABA team, the Flint Tropics, desperate to survive the league's merger with the NBA.
Will Ferrell's appearance was a fun and light-hearted moment for the Warriors, who were in the middle of a losing streak. Star player Klay Thompson appreciated how Ferrell was able to lighten the mood, and he was also praised for his basketball skills, including hitting a half-court shot.
