Is This Thing On?

Is This Thing On? is an upcoming American comedy film directed by Bradley Cooper and starring Will Arnett and Laura Dern, with Cooper in a supporting role.

Is This Thing On?
Directed by	Bradley Cooper
Written by	Will Arnett Bradley Cooper Mark Chappell
Produced by	Bradley Cooper Weston Middleton Will Arnett Kris Thykier
Starring	Will Arnett Laura Dern Bradley Cooper Sean Hayes Andra Day Ciarán Hinds Amy Sedaris
Cinematography	Matthew Libatique
Edited by	Charlie Greene
Music by	James Newberry
Production companies	Lea Pictures Electric Avenue
Distributed by	Searchlight Pictures
Release date	October 10, 2025 (2025-10-10) (NYFF)
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 2025 New York Film Festival on October 10, 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
• Laura Dern as Tess
• Sean Hayes
• Bradley Cooper as Arnie, Alex's best friend
• Andra Day
• Amy Sedaris
• Christine Ebersole
• Ciarán Hinds
• Chloe Radcliffe
• Peyton Manning
• James Tom
• Scott Icenogle
• Jordan Jensen
• Reggie Conquest
• 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]

Filming

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

It will have its world premiere as the closing film of the 2025 New York Film Festival on October 10, 2025.^[11]