Bradley Cooper’s latest directorial triumph, ‘Is This Thing On?‘, premiered at the New York Film Festival, showcasing the profound bond and comedic genius of its star, his lifelong friend Will Arnett, in a poignant divorce comedy exploring reinvention and vulnerability.
The cinematic world recently turned its gaze to the New York Film Festival for the highly anticipated premiere of ‘Is This Thing On?‘. This film marks Bradley Cooper’s third foray into directing, and it shines a spotlight not just on his evolving vision behind the camera, but also on a decades-long friendship that forms the heart of its narrative.
Closing the prestigious festival on Friday, October 10, 2025, the film features Cooper, 50, in a co-starring role, but it’s his close friend, Will Arnett, 55, who takes the lead. The comedy delves into the life of a man on the brink of divorce who discovers catharsis through stand-up comedy, a premise that allowed both actors to explore themes of vulnerability and self-discovery.
A Friendship Forged in New York and Lasting Decades
At the premiere, Cooper delivered a heartfelt tribute to Arnett, reminiscing about their enduring bond. “I met him in New York City, and I thought, ‘That guy’s tall, I don’t want to fight that guy.’ And then we lived together in Venice, CA, and I just thought he was the coolest guy, and he was always the funniest guy in the room,” Cooper shared, as noted by Parade.
Their connection goes far deeper than professional collaboration. Cooper emphasized the rarity of such a lasting friendship. He stated, “Sometimes, you meet these people and they go out of your life, but we stayed in each others lives for decades. And now he’s somebody who I can consider one of my closest friends in my life, that I will take on my death bed, and know for a fact that I’ll think back and this his friendship meant the world to me.” This deep personal history undoubtedly adds an authentic layer to their on-screen dynamic in ‘Is This Thing On?‘.
Exploring Themes of Reinvention and Vulnerability
‘Is This Thing On?‘ follows Arnett’s character, Alex, as he navigates the emotional turmoil of an impending divorce. His search for purpose leads him to the vibrant New York comedy scene, a journey of reinvention that promises both laughter and profound self-reflection. The film’s synopsis highlights Alex’s quest for a new identity while his ex-wife, Tess (played by Laura Dern), confronts the sacrifices she made for their family, forcing them to navigate co-parenting and the evolving nature of love.
This exploration of vulnerability and personal transformation resonates deeply with Cooper’s own life experiences. In a 2022 episode of Arnett’s ‘SmartLess’ podcast, Cooper openly discussed how Arnett’s intervention in 2000 played a pivotal role in his journey to sobriety. “I was just a friend,” Arnett humbly responded when asked about those comments, acknowledging Cooper’s strength in “able to right his own ship.” This shared history of support and growth provides a powerful undercurrent to their collaboration on a film that confronts life’s messy, transformative moments, making it a particularly poignant project for both artists, as reported by Variety.
Cooper’s Evolving Directorial Landscape
‘Is This Thing On?‘ marks Cooper’s third directorial effort, following the critically acclaimed ‘A Star Is Born‘ (2018) and ‘Maestro‘ (2023). Each project showcases his ambitious storytelling and keen eye for character-driven narratives. With ‘Is This Thing On?‘, he continues to demonstrate his versatility, stepping into a supporting role while entrusting the leading man duties to his long-time friend.
The ensemble cast further elevates the film, featuring an impressive roster of talent including Laura Dern, Andra Day, Amy Sedaris, Sean Hayes, Christine Ebersole, Ciaran Hinds, Chloe Radcliffe, Calvin Knegten, Jordan Jensen, and Blake Kane. This diverse group of actors promises a rich tapestry of performances to bring the film’s nuanced humor and emotional depth to life.
A Love Letter to New York
The choice of the New York Film Festival for the premiere was particularly meaningful for Cooper, who took the opportunity to pay homage to the city. “Growing up in Philly, I would think of New York and I would drive and we would get lost in the West Village,” he recounted. “We’d tried to get home, and my Dad would be cursing. And I always thought, to be here in grad school in the late ’90s to go to the New School… and New York was so specific. It had that magic and really still has that magic — for me, at least, and we hope for most of you. That’s what we wanted to capture.”
This personal connection to New York City infuses the film with a sense of place, making the urban landscape an integral part of Alex’s journey of self-discovery. For fans, this deep connection promises an authentic portrayal of a city that has inspired countless stories of reinvention.
Anticipating the Theatrical Release
After its celebrated debut at the 63rd New York Film Festival, ‘Is This Thing On?‘ is set to open in theaters on December 19. Fans eager to witness Cooper’s latest directorial achievement and the heartwarming collaboration with Will Arnett will soon have the opportunity to experience this unique blend of comedy and poignant self-reflection on the big screen.
