'Is This Thing On?' Second Trailer Drop — Bradley Cooper’s Dramedy Finds Humor in Heartbreak
A playful tale of comedy, crisis, and second chances.
Following the autumn festival buzz, the latest trailer for Bradley Cooper’s new dramedy Is This Thing On? has finally landed. Inspired by the life of British comedian John Bishop, the film stars Will Arnett and Laura Dern as a couple on the verge of separation, while Arnett’s character makes a late pivot into stand-up comedy in New York’s West Village.
Still in post-production, the project already signals a lighter, more playful tone than A Star Is Born or Maestro. And isn’t that refreshing?
Comedy Meets Crisis
The premise works by balancing heartbreak with the shaky thrill of chasing laughs. Arnett must sell a man who rediscovers courage through comedy, while Dern brings nuance as a wife torn between family and freedom.
With support from Andra Day, Amy Sedaris, Sean Hayes and Cooper, the film promises classic dramedy juggling.
A Familiar Festival Path
As with his past films, Cooper leans into festival season: Is This Thing On? will close the New York Film Festival in October before its 19 December release. With Matthew Libatique behind the camera — the eye behind Black Swan and A Star Is Born — Cooper shows he values trusted collaborators, don’t you think?
The trailer teases stand-up gags, emotional slips and the idea that reinvention can come at any age. But will this mix of humour and heartbreak win over festivals and holiday crowds?
