Will Arnett reflects on Bradley Cooper directing ‘Is This Thing On?’

Bradley Cooper and Will Arnett first crossed paths years ago on a New York street as young actors hustling for roles, and now, two decades later, the duo has reunited for a project together.

On Friday, October 10, Cooper’s directorial feature Is This Thing On, starring Arnett, premiered at the 63rd New York Film Festival.

“We have to pinch ourselves every step of the way,” Arnett told Variety on premiere day. “It’s just such a joy for us to be able to do this together. We appreciate how rare it is.”

Is This Thing On marks Cooper’s third directorial effort, following 2018’s A Star Is Born and 2023’s Maestro. 

The film follows a man (Arnett) who steps into the existential world of stand-up comedy while grappling with the emotional turmoil of an impending divorce.

This time around, Cooper steps into a supporting role, joining an impressive ensemble cast featuring Laura Dern, Andra Day, Amy Sedaris, Sean Hayes, Christine Ebersole, and Ciarán Hinds.

The film’s humor hides a deeper reflection on reinvention and vulnerability, themes that mirror Cooper’s own past struggles.

In a 2022 episode of Arnett’s SmartLess podcast, Cooper revealed that Arnett’s tough conversation in 2000 pushed him to confront his substance abuse and ultimately turn his life around.

When asked about Cooper’s comments, Arnett humbly responded, “I was just a friend. Like a lot of people, I’ve been the beneficiary of many great people and friends in my life, too.”

He added that Cooper was “able to right his own ship and get himself going where he needed to go. Just being around to help in any way I could was great for me.”

Is This Thing On will officially hit theatres on December 19.

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