The premiere of “Is This Thing On?” at the 2025 BFI London Film Festival marked a significant moment for both the film and its star, Will Arnett. Alongside co-stars Bradley Cooper, Laura Dern, and Andra Day, Arnett stepped onto the red carpet at the Royal Festival Hall, but it was his official public debut with girlfriend, supermodel Carolyn Murphy, that truly captured headlines. This anticipated comedy-drama, co-written and produced by Arnett and Cooper, delves into the complexities of middle age, divorce, and co-parenting, themes that resonate both within the narrative and subtly with the actors’ own lives.
The 2025 BFI London Film Festival rolled out the red carpet on Tuesday, October 14, at the Royal Festival Hall for the premiere of the new comedy-drama, “Is This Thing On?”. The event drew a star-studded cast, including actor and director Bradley Cooper, who is 50 years old, alongside his co-stars Will Arnett, Laura Dern, and Andra Day. While the film itself promises a poignant exploration of modern relationships, a notable moment off-screen was the red carpet debut of Will Arnett with his girlfriend, supermodel Carolyn Murphy.
Will Arnett and Carolyn Murphy: A Relationship Takes the Spotlight
The appearance marked the first red carpet event together for Will Arnett, 55, and Carolyn Murphy, 51, signifying a new public phase in their relationship. People magazine confirmed the couple was dating in early September, following Arnett’s quiet separation from his girlfriend of five years, Alessandra Brawn, in late 2024. Prior to their official red carpet debut, the pair had been spotted together at several public events.
Their public sightings began at the end of August when they attended Sean Hayes’ play, “Good Night, Oscar,” on London’s West End. They were also seen making a date night out of New York Fashion Week on September 12, attending a presentation for designer Jenni Kayne in SoHo, New York City, as reported by People. For the London premiere, Arnett sported a tan suit with a black button-down, while Murphy complemented him in a sophisticated shoulder-baring, long-sleeved black Alberta Ferretti cocktail dress, accessorized with a black clutch and silver chandelier earrings.
Blending Personal and Professional Narratives
The film’s plot, which centers on a marriage quietly unraveling, resonates with elements of Will Arnett’s personal life, as he navigates co-parenting with both Alessandra Brawn (with whom he shares 5-year-old son Denny) and his ex-wife, comedian Amy Poehler (with whom he shares sons Archie, 16, and Abel, 15), as detailed by People. Carolyn Murphy is also a mother to 24-year-old daughter Dylan Blue, from her previous relationship with Pavel Bureslavsky, and was married to Jake Schroeder from 1999 to 2002. These real-life experiences add a layer of depth to the film’s exploration of identity and evolving love.
The connection between their new public relationship and the film’s themes creates a fascinating parallel, offering fans an intriguing context for the movie’s narrative. The story follows Alex (played by Arnett) as he faces middle age and an impending divorce, seeking purpose in the New York comedy scene. Simultaneously, Tess (played by Laura Dern) confronts the sacrifices she made for their family, forcing them to navigate co-parenting and the possibility of love transforming into a new form.
The Creative Minds Behind “Is This Thing On?”
Bradley Cooper not only stars in “Is This Thing On?” but also took on multiple pivotal roles as director, co-writer (alongside Will Arnett and Mark Chappell), and producer. This deep involvement underscores his vision for the project and brings a multifaceted talent to the production. The cast also features an impressive ensemble, including Andra Day (who wore an Ashish dress to the premiere), Christine Ebersole, Ciarán Hinds, Sean Hayes and his husband Scott Icenogle, Peyton Manning, and Amy Sedaris, promising a rich tapestry of performances.
The film previously premiered at the New York Film Festival on October 10. Fans eager to see this compelling story unfold will be able to watch “Is This Thing On?” when it hits theaters on December 19.
