Bradley Cooper and Will Arnett are set to captivate audiences in the upcoming divorce comedy, ‘Is This Thing On?’, which hits theaters on January 30, 2026. Inspired by the real-life experiences of British comedian John Bishop, the film navigates the complexities of heartbreak, humor, and self-discovery.
In this heartfelt comedy-drama, Will Arnett stars as Alex Novak, a finance executive grappling with the collapse of his marriage to Tess, portrayed by Laura Dern. As the couple confronts the ups and downs of family life with their two young sons, Jude and Felix, it becomes evident that their relationship has suffered from a breakdown in communication and ambition. Seeking a new sense of purpose amidst his midlife crisis, Alex moves from their tranquil Westchester home into the bustling streets of New York City and turns to stand-up comedy as a coping mechanism.
The film’s concept may resonate with many, but its creation is rooted in a compelling true story. The narrative stems from John Bishop’s journey when, during a separation in 2000, he stumbled into a comedy club and poured his heart out to an audience. This transformative experience was revealed to Arnett during a chance meeting in Amsterdam, igniting the inspiration for their screenplay. “I was like, ‘Wait, wow, this is insane,’” Arnett recalled, impressed by the raw honesty of Bishop’s comedic journey.
Arnett’s portrayal of Alex is layered with vulnerability, which he crafts through immersive preparation that involved performing stand-up routines in New York clubs. “I had to fight my urges as a performer to win the room over,” he shared, emphasizing the authenticity he sought to achieve. Cooper, renowned for his ambitious directorial projects, employed a more intimate filming style, opting to keep the camera focused closely on the actors’ expressions, creating a confessional tone throughout the film.
Laura Dern’s nuanced performance as Tess enhances the emotional depth of the story. She embodies a character grappling with her own regrets and aspirations, depicting a relationship marked by both conflict and tenderness. One powerful exchange between the couple underlines the rawness of their situation, delivering a relatable commentary on the messy reality of navigating a troubled marriage.
‘Is This Thing On?’ is equally a tribute to the world of stand-up comedy, portraying performers as individuals in search of connection and meaning. Through the lens of open-mic nights, the film offers an honest portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of comedians, aptly placed against a backdrop of environments that feel unmistakably real. The soundtrack, featuring the impactful anthem “Under Pressure,” further enriches the emotional landscape of the film.
The project emerged from a collaboration of deeply personal connections, with producer Kris Thykier discovering Bishop’s narrative at a film-related social event, paving the way for the screenplay co-crafted by Arnett, Mark Chappell, and Cooper.
Early audience reactions have been warmly received, with viewers praising the film’s blend of humor and poignant moments. Attendees at Cineworld’s Secret Screening event expressed delight over the engaging portrayals by Arnett and Dern, reflecting a strong emotional investment in the characters.
For Arnett, the filmmaking process proved both challenging and cathartic, as he found echoes of his own experiences within Alex’s story. The established friendship and mutual understanding between Cooper and Arnett offered them the creative freedom to dive into the complexities of their characters without fear.
Ultimately, ‘Is This Thing On?’ transcends being merely a comedy about divorce or heartbreak. It is a celebration of resilience and the pursuit of truth, reminding audiences of the importance of expressing their truths, no matter how vulnerable they may feel. As the film invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences, it leaves behind the reassuring notion that growth often emerges from discomfort, making space for a hopeful conclusion as the credits roll.