Laughing Through the Pain: First Trailer for Bradley Cooper’s Is This Thing On?

In addition to yesterday's look at Hamnet, another film set to premiere at a festival next month, Is This Thing On?, has also released its first trailer.

Is This Thing On? is set to be released in North America on December 19. It is directed, written, and produced by Bradley Cooper, the director and star of A Star is Born and Maestro. He co-wrote the script with the film's star, Will Arnett (Murderville), and writer Mark Chappell (See How They Run). The cast also includes Oscar winner Laura Dern (Marriage Story), Golden Globe Best Actress winner Andra Day, Amy Sedaris (Ghosted), Emmy winner Sean Hayes (Will & Grace), two-time Tony winner Christine Ebersole, and Ciarán Hinds (Belfast). While Cooper has starred in his previous two directorial efforts, he will only appear in a supporting role this time.

As their marriage quietly unravels, Alex (Will Arnett) faces middle age and an impending divorce, seeking new purpose in the New York comedy scene while Tess (Laura Dern) confronts the sacrifices she made for their family—forcing them to navigate co-parenting, identity, and whether love can take a new form.

Cooper’s two previous films earned him multiple Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Original/Adapted Screenplay. A Star is Born also won an Oscar for Best Original Song. Both of those films were centered on music and love with a more serious tone. This time, while still focusing on a marital relationship, the film is about a stand-up comedian and appears to have a more comedic flair. It's set to premiere at the New York Film Festival in October, and its quality will be revealed then.

If you are interested in upcoming movies to be released in Canada, please visit the Movie Release Schedule page on this website!

Photo and Source: Searchlight Pictures