Is This Thing On?

Is This Thing On? is an upcoming American comedy-drama film directed by Bradley Cooper from a screenplay he co-wrote with Will Arnett and Mark Chappell. The film stars Arnett, Laura Dern, Cooper, Andra Day, Amy Sedaris, Sean Hayes, Christine Ebersole, and Ciarán Hinds.

Is This Thing On?
Directed by	Bradley Cooper
Screenplay by	Bradley Cooper Will Arnett Mark Chappell
Story by	Will Arnett Mark Chappell John Bishop
Produced by	Bradley Cooper Weston Middleton Will Arnett Kris Thykier
Starring	Will Arnett Laura Dern Andra Day Bradley Cooper
Cinematography	Matthew Libatique
Edited by	Charlie Greene
Music by	James Newberry
Production companies	Lea Pictures Electric Avenue
Distributed by	Searchlight Pictures
Release dates	October 10, 2025 (2025-10-10) (NYFF) December 19, 2025 (2025-12-19) (United States)
Running time	124 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English

The film is inspired by the life of British comedian John Bishop.^[1] It will have its world premiere as the closing film of the New York Film Festival on October 10, 2025, and it is scheduled to be released in the United States on December 19, 2025.

Premise

After many years together, Alex and Tess have reached an amicable end to their marriage, thus beginning the awkward stage of figuring out how to live separately while raising two boys and maintaining their friendships. Alex discovers a new hobby and, in the process, learns more about himself and his relationship.

Cast

• Will Arnett as Alex Novak
• Laura Dern as Tess Novak
• Andra Day
• Bradley Cooper as Arnie, Alex's best friend
• Amy Sedaris
• Sean Hayes
• Christine Ebersole
• Ciarán Hinds
• Scott Icenogle
• Chloe Radcliffe
• Jordan Jensen
• Peyton Manning
• Reggie Conquest
• James Tom
• Gabe Fazio
• Blake Kane
• Calvin Knegten
• Derek Gaines
• Matt Richards

Production

It was announced in June 2023 that Bradley Cooper would be directing a film, which he would star in alongside Will Arnett. Arnett would co-write the screenplay alongside Mark Chappell.^[2] Emily Blunt was reported as being part of the cast later that month.^[3] In December 2024, Sean Hayes joined the cast.^[4] In February 2025, Cooper announced Laura Dern and Andra Day as part of the cast, in addition to announcing he would also serve as the B camera operator for the film.^[5][6] Filming wrapped in April, with additional casting announced including Amy Sedaris. Peyton Manning, Christine Ebersole, and Ciarán Hinds.^[7]

Principal photography was scheduled to begin in September 2024 in Los Angeles.^[8][9] Filming reportedly began by January 2025 in New York City.^[10] Production wrapped on April 16, 2025, with Searchlight eyeing a fall release.^[7]

Release

Is This Thing On? is set to premiere as the closing film of the New York Film Festival on October 10, 2025,^[11] and it is scheduled to be released in the United States on December 19, 2025.^[12]