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Key Points Bradley Cooper directs, co-writes, and produces this comedy drama about amicable divorce and co-parenting. Will Arnett and Laura Dern star as separated parents navigating new identities and family dynamics. The film releases in theaters December 19, with Cooper also making a small on-screen appearance. Even though he was once labeled People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive,” Bradley Cooper, who got his big break in a supporting role on the ABC series, Alias, and became a household name after The Hangover, is far from just another pretty face. After nearly two decades in front of the camera, the 12-time Oscar nominee wrote, produced, directed and starred in A Star is Born opposite Lady Gaga. The film was nominated for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay at the 2019 Academy Awards and Cooper received a Best Actor nod for his role in the film. He went on to produce Joker and more recently produced, wrote, and directed Maestro, the latter of which garnered him several more Oscar nominations. Cooper’s latest project, Is This Thing On? is no different. In fact, he’s the director, producer, co-writer, and even moonlights as a cameraman. The Searchlight Pictures film stars Will Arnett and Laura Dern as a couple that has decided to amicably end to their marriage and sees them navigating the separation while raising their children apart. As he adjusts to life as a single dad, Arnett’s character discovers a new hobby. While Cooper does not star in his latest film, he will have a supporting role. Here’s everything we know about Is This Thing On? Parade Daily🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 As their marriage quietly unravels, Alex (Will Arnett) and Tess Novak (Laura Dern) find themselves at a crossroads, both collectively and individually. Facing middle age and the specter of impending divorce, Alex seeks renewed purpose in the New York stand-up comedy scene, while Tess confronts the sacrifices she’s made for their family. Together, they’re forced to navigate co-parenting, shifting senses of identity and a burning question: Can love and commitment take a new form? Who wrote Is This Thing On? Bradley Cooper, Will Arnett and Mark Chappell wrote the screenplay based on a story crafted by Will Arnett, Mark Chappell and John Bishop. It is loosely based on British comedian John Bishop’s life. Who directed Is This Thing On? Bradley Cooper directed Is This Thing On? Will Arnett (Alex Novak) Arnett is best known to audiences worldwide as Gob Bluth in Arrested Development. His hilarious turn as studio executive Devon Banks in 30 Rock earned him an Emmy nomination. His has lent his distinctive deep voice to several animated characters, including Mr. Perkins in the Despicable Me films, Batman/Bruce Wayne in the LEGO movies, and the titular character in Bojack Horseman. His other credits include Running Wilde, The Morning Show and Twisted Metal. Laura Dern (Tess Novak) Dern comes from an acting family. Her parents are actors Bruce Dern and Diane Ladd. Her first credited movie role was opposite Jodie Foster in Foxes, filmed when both were in their early teens. Though she has won praise from critics, as well as award nominations and wins for films such as Mask, Rambling Rose, Blue Velvet and Marriage Story, she is perhaps best recognized for her role in Jurassic Park. Bradley Cooper (Balls) In addition to all of his work behind the camera, Cooper has a supporting role as Alex’s best friend. Andra Day (Christine) The “Rise Up” singer and Grammy winner won the Golden Globe for Best Actress in her onscreen debut, 2021’s The United States vs. Billie Holiday, where she played the titular role. Day’s portrayal of the music legend also landed her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. In Is This Thing On? Day plays Christine, who is the wife of Balls. Ciarán Hinds (Jan) Hinds plays Alex’s father, Jan. The Irish actor has an impressive list of credits, ranging from family fare like the Harry Potter films to dramas such as Road to Perdition and There Will Be Blood. His first film role was in Excalibur and more recent credits include Belfast, Justice League, and Game of Thrones. Fun fact: He also voiced Grand Pabbie, the Troll King, in Frozen and Frozen 2. Christine Ebersole (Marilyn) Ebersole, who won a Tony for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her role as Dorothy Brock in the 2001 revival of 42nd Street and again for her dual roles as Big Edie and Little Edie in the Grey Gardens musical, plays Alex’s mom. She most recently starred in the Hallmark Channel film, Holiday Touchdown: A Chief’s Love Story. Related: Everything You Need to Know About Holiday Touchdown: A Chief’s Love Story Who else appears in Is This Thing On? Look for Sean Hayes (Will & Grace), Amy Sedaris (At Home with Amy Sedaris), Jordan Jensen, Chloe Radcliffe, Reggie Conquest (Scream), Scott Icenogle, Blake Kane and Calvin Knegten to round out the cast, along with two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Peyton Manning. Is This Thing On? will be released in theaters. Is This Thing On? will be in theaters on Friday, Dec. 19. Is there a trailer for Is This Thing On? Yes! Check out the official trailer for Is This Thing On? below. Check out images from Is This Thing On? Take a look at some select images from Is This Thing On? in the gallery below.
