‘Is This Thing On?’ Debuts First Look, Sets N.Y. Film Fest World Premiere

Will Arnett in IS THIS THING ON. Photo by Searchlight Pictures/Jason McDonald, Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2025 Searchlight Pictures All Rights Reserved. — Searchlight PicturesMultiple Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper’s dramatic comedy **Is This Thing On?** will get its world premiere at the New York Film Fest, as closing night, October 10, at Lincoln Center.Inspired by the life of British comedian John Bishop, “Is This Thing On?” follows the break-up of a married couple (portrayed by Will Arnett and Laura Dern) who are raising two kids.

The husband, Alex, takes a wild career pivot to become professional stand-up comedian in New York City’s West Village. In a newly revealed first-look image, Arnett’s character is standing wistfully in a comedy club.

Searchlight is backing the film but hasn’t revealed the theatrical release date. Andra Day, Christine Ebersole, Ciarán Hinds, Sean Hayes, Peyton Manning, and Amy Sedaris round out the movie’s cast.

We are honored and humbled to premiere our film at the New York Film Festival,” Cooper said. “Earlier this year we had the wonderful opportunity to shoot this story all throughout the city, so it’s very exciting to debut it on the closing evening of the festival. NYC injects an energy into every aspect of filmmaking that just can’t be replicated.”

“Is This Thing On?” is Cooper’s third directorial effort after “A Star Is Born” and “Maestro.”

In front of the camera, he’s best known for the comedy hit, “The Hangover,” and “Silver Linings Playbook,” “American Hustle” and “American Sniper,” all of which earned Bradley Best Actor Oscar nominations.

“We are thrilled to close the festival with Bradley Cooper’s delightful third feature,” said artistic director Dennis Lim. “‘Is This Thing On?’ is a film of many dimensions and surprises: a fond tribute to New York City’s comedy scene, sensitive study of midlife discontent, and modern-day comedy of remarriage, pitch-perfect in its balance of humor and feeling.”

New York Film Festival will open on Sept. 26 with Luca Guadagnino-Julia Roberts’ starrer, After the Hunt (which premieres at Venice Fest)

Jim Jarmusch’s “Father Mother Sister Brother” is the centerpiece.

The remaining slate to be announced at a later date.

Is This Thing On?: Bradley Cooper’s Dramedy, Starring Oscar Winner Laura Dern, Set as Closing Night of 2025 N.Y. Film Fest

‘Is This Thing On?’ Debuts First Look, Sets N.Y. Film Fest World Premiere

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