Bradley Cooper is back in the director’s chair, and this time, he’s bringing an all-star cast with him for his upcoming film, Is This Thing On?. The Oscar-nominated actor and filmmaker has tapped Andra Day, the powerhouse singer and actress, to join the already impressive lineup that includes Will Arnett, Sean Hayes, and Laura Dern. Cooper himself will also take on a supporting role in the project.
A Stellar Cast and an Intriguing Storyline
Written by Will Arnett and Mark Chappell, Is This Thing On? delves into the complexities of relationships, self-discovery, and reinvention. The film follows Alex (played by Arnett), a man grappling with middle age and the looming reality of divorce from Tess (portrayed by Dern). As their marriage quietly unravels, Alex seeks a fresh start in New York’s vibrant comedy scene, while Tess confronts the sacrifices she made for their family. Their journey forces them to navigate the ups and downs of co-parenting, identity, and whether love can evolve into something new.
Andra Day’s Impressive Acting Journey
While many know Andra Day for her soulful voice and chart-topping music, she made a stunning transition to acting with her debut in Lee Daniels' The United States vs. Billie Holiday (2021). Her performance as the legendary jazz singer earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama and a Grammy for Best Soundtrack, along with an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
Day has since continued to make waves in Hollywood, starring in the 2024 films Exhibiting Forgiveness (directed by artist Titus Kaphar) and The Deliverance, where she reunited with Daniels. She also played a key role in Reginald Hudlin’s Marshall. Up next, fans can catch her in Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2, where she will portray Athena.
Behind the Scenes: Cooper’s Latest Ambitious Project
Cooper, a nine-time Oscar nominee, isn’t just directing this Searchlight Pictures film—he’s also stepping into a new role as a B camera operator on set. He previewed the project while appearing on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show earlier this week, where he also celebrated the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX victory.
“Filmmaking, honestly, is very similar to sports—team sports,” Cooper explained during the interview. “It’s very much like football. If one of the 11 players messes up, the whole play falls apart. Same thing happens on a movie set.”
Cooper, who previously wowed audiences with A Star Is Born and Maestro, emphasized how crucial every crew member is in the filmmaking process. “Anybody who’s ever made a movie knows that the camera operator, the dolly grip, the sound mixer, the first AD—these roles are just as important as the actors. It’s a real team effort.”
The Powerhouse Production Team
Backing Is This Thing On? is an impressive production team. Cooper is producing under his Lea Pictures banner alongside Weston Middleton, Will Arnett, and Kris Thykier, with John Bishop serving as executive producer. On the studio side, Peter Spencer (Director of Development and Production) and Cornelia Burleigh (Creative Executive) are overseeing the film, reporting to Searchlight’s heads of production and development, Katie Goodson-Thomas and DanTram Nguyen.
A Must-Watch in the Making
With a deeply relatable storyline, a stellar cast, and Bradley Cooper’s visionary direction, Is This Thing On? is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films in the making. Add to that Andra Day’s growing presence in Hollywood, and this project promises to be a compelling watch that blends humor, heart, and real-life struggles in a way that resonates with audiences everywhere.
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