Director Bradley Cooper and actor Will Arnett recently shared insights about their work on the drama film Is This Thing On?, ahead of its release. The movie will become available for digital rental and purchase on February 10, 2026, followed by 4K, Blu-ray, and DVD editions on March 17. This film explores complex themes such as marriage, identity, and reinvention, with Cooper’s direction playing a key role in shaping the story.
In an exclusive behind-the-scenes clip, Cooper highlighted his connection with Arnett, emphasizing the trust they developed during production. They cultivated a safe space for creativity, enabling genuine performances to emerge naturally. Cooper described this relationship as an advantage, saying,
“Whenever you work with an actor as a director, you want to make them feel safe. That’s the first primary goal because if they’re safe, they feel free, and then they can show their soul, and then anything can happen, and you’re gonna hopefully capture magic,”
and added,
“We had such an upper hand, Will and I, because that safety was built-in in every cell of both our bodies.”
Exploring the Central Story and Characters
The film centers on Alex, played by Arnett, as he confronts middle age and the uneasy breakdown of his marriage. The official synopsis reveals that as Alex faces an impending divorce, he searches for new meaning within New York’s comedy scene. Simultaneously, Tess contends with the sacrifices she has made for their family, leading both to examine their co-parenting dynamics, personal identities, and the possibility of redefining love. The narrative tackles themes of love, loss, and personal growth with a nuanced tone.
Creative Team Behind the Film
Is This Thing On? was directed by Bradley Cooper from a screenplay co-written by Cooper, Will Arnett, and Mark Chappell. The story draws inspiration from John Bishop’s life, whose experiences influenced the character of Alex. Alongside Cooper and Arnett, Weston Middleton and Kris Thykier served as producers. The film’s visual storytelling was crafted by cinematographer Matthew Libatique, while editor Charlie Greene helped shape its pace and rhythm. Production designer Kevin Thompson developed the film’s look, and composer James Newberry provided the musical score.
Home Video Bonus Content Offers a Closer Look
The home release includes a special feature titled Mic Drop: Making Is This Thing On?, which offers viewers an inside perspective on the film’s creation. This bonus captures the filmmakers and actors discussing the inspiration behind the story, the challenges they faced, and the dynamics within the ensemble cast. It also reveals how the creative team established the film’s comedic elements within a dramatic framework.
