Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby is a 2006 American sports comedy film directed by Adam McKay and stars Will Ferrell, while written by both McKay and Ferrell. Additionally, the film features John C. Reilly, Sacha Baron Cohen, Gary Cole and Michael Clarke Duncan, and appearances by Saturday Night Live alumni.