Will Ferrell Confirms The Bear He Fought In Semi-Pro Later Killed Someone

Will Ferrell confirmed a grim update tied to Semi-Pro, saying the bear used for the film later killed someone and has not worked in Hollywood since. Speaking on the All The Smoke podcast while promoting his upcoming Netflix series The Hawk, Ferrell addressed claims about the “Dewie” bear. Ferrell explained that the bear was effectively “out of the business,” but detailed that the animal involved was named Rocky, a five-year-old grizzly owned by Randy Miller, who served as Ferrell’s stunt double in the wrestling scene. Miller was not killed; the person who died was Stephan, a cousin of Miller who was filming a promotional video. The article adds that Miller tried for years to get Rocky cleared to return to work, but the bear was moved to an animal sanctuary in 2022, citing the San Diego Tribune. Semi-Pro is streaming for some viewers via YouTube TV, and The Hawk premieres July 16.