Key Points

Bradley Cooper takes on directing and starring roles in the new comedy 'Is This Thing On?'. The film features an impressive cast including Will Arnett and Laura Dern as a divorced couple navigating family life. Inspired by British comedian John Bishop, the story follows Arnett's character who pivots to stand-up comedy in New York City. The movie will premiere at the New York Film Festival before its theatrical release in December 2025.

Key Points: Bradley Cooper Directs and Stars in Is This Thing On Comedy

  • Bradley Cooper directs his third feature film after Maestro and A Star Is Born
  • Film inspired by British comedian John Bishop's life experiences
  • Story follows a divorced couple raising two children in New York City
  • World premiere set for New York Film Festival closing night October 10
2 min read

'Is This Thing On?' trailer: Bradley Cooper plays a stand-up comic in this comedy entertainer

Bradley Cooper directs and stars in new comedy 'Is This Thing On?' with Will Arnett and Laura Dern. The film premieres at NYFF in October 2025.

"Alex takes a wild career pivot to become a stand-up comedian - Variety"

Washington DC, August 27

The makers of Bradley Cooper's 'Is This Thing On?' finally released the trailer of the film on Tuesday.

Apart from Bradley Cooper, the movie also stars Will Arnett, Laura Dern, Andra Day and Sean Hayes in prominent roles. The film is directed by Bradley Cooper.

According to Variety, the film is inspired by the life of British comedian John Bishop. 'Is This Thing On?' centres on the aftermath of the break-up of a married couple who are raising two kids. Alex (Arnett) takes a wild career pivot to become a stand-up comedian in New York City's West Village.

Searchlight Pictures (the official distributor of the film) shared the trailer on their Instagram account.

The movie will be released in theatres in December 2025. The makers have not revealed the exact release date of the film.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DN0odUuwMM5/

'Is This Thing On?' is penned by Cooper, Mark Chappell and Arnett. Cooper also serves as producer alongside Weston Middleton under their Lea Pictures banner, alongside Arnett and Kris Thykier.

Ahead of its theatrical release, the dramatic comedy will hold its world premiere at the New York Film Festival during the event's closing night on October 10 at Lincoln Centre's Alice Tully Hall, reported Variety.

'Is This Thing On?' marks Cooper's third directorial feature after 'A Star Is Born' and 'Maestro'. Other notable films with Cooper in front of the camera include 'Silver Linings Playbook', 'American Sniper', and 'American Hustle'.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Stand-up comedy theme is interesting! But why another Hollywood film about New York comedians? We have such amazing stand-up talent in India - hope someone makes a proper Bollywood comedy about our desi comics someday.
A
Ananya R
December 2025 release? That's so far away! Hope it releases in Indian theaters simultaneously. Bradley Cooper always delivers quality content though - worth the wait!
V
Vikram M
The cast looks solid - Laura Dern is always brilliant. But honestly, the premise sounds a bit similar to other Hollywood comedies. Hope Cooper brings something fresh to the table.
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows international cinema, Cooper's growth as a director has been impressive. From A Star Is Born to Maestro and now comedy - he's showing incredible range. Looking forward to this!
K
Karthik V
Hope the humor translates well for Indian audiences. Sometimes Hollywood comedies don't land the same way here. But with Cooper involved, expectations are high! 🤞

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