Mon Dec 15 04:10:00 UTC 2025: Summary:
“Is This Thing On?” is a comedy-drama film directed by Bradley Cooper and starring Will Arnett as Alex, a man navigating a mid-life crisis and divorce while exploring stand-up comedy in New York City. The story, based on the real-life experiences of John Bishop, follows Alex as he uses the stage to process his unraveling marriage with Tess (Laura Dern) and question the nature of love. Cooper co-stars and contributed to the screenplay, incorporating his own experiences in the comedy club world. The film premiered at the New York Film Festival and is set for a limited theatrical release on December 19th.
News Article:
Bradley Cooper Directs Will Arnett in Stand-Up Comedy Drama “Is This Thing On?”
NEW YORK – Searchlight’s “Is This Thing On?,” a comedy-drama directed by Bradley Cooper and starring Will Arnett, premiered at the New York Film Festival in October and is slated for limited release in select theaters on December 19th. The film explores themes of mid-life crisis, divorce, and the search for meaning through the lens of New York City’s stand-up comedy scene.
Arnett stars as Alex, a man grappling with a failing marriage to Tess (Laura Dern) and the challenges of co-parenting. Inspired by the real-life story of John Bishop, a British pharmaceutical rep who turned to stand-up comedy to process his own divorce, Alex finds solace and a platform for self-discovery on the comedy club stage.
Cooper, who also co-stars in the film alongside Andra Day, Christine Ebersole, and others, collaborated with Arnett and Mark Chappell on the screenplay. Cooper also brought his experience with comedy club culture to the story to create the world. Arnett prepared for the role by performing real stand-up sets in New York comedy clubs.
“Is This Thing On?” offers a unique blend of humor and heartfelt emotion, exploring universal themes of love, loss, and the pursuit of self-discovery.
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