Hollywood actor Bradley Cooper recently shared that his new film, delving into a man’s quest for purpose in the New York comedy circuit, draws significant inspiration from British comedy.
Titled “Is This Thing On?”, the movie is partially inspired by the life of British comedian John Bishop. Cooper, known for his work in directing and starring in acclaimed films like “Maestro” (2023) and “A Star Is Born” (2018), took on the role of director for this project.
The concept for the film originated from a meeting between Will Arnett, voice of BoJack Horseman, and Liverpool-born comic Bishop. Bishop recounted his experience of discovering stand-up comedy during a challenging period, opting to perform at an open-mic night in lieu of paying the cover fee.
Arnett’s character in the film, Alex, embarks on a similar journey, kickstarting his comedy career at New York’s prestigious Comedy Cellar.
During the BFI London Film Festival, Cooper revealed that the film’s foundation was Bishop’s narrative, which sparked his interest. He envisioned setting the story in New York and shaping it into a tale about relationships.
When questioned about the influence of British humor on the film, Cooper emphasized a direct impact, citing a collective admiration for British comedy among the team.
Arnett, in his mid-50s, noted the nuanced nature of British humor and mentioned incorporating some of those elements into the film.
Bishop, who reconciled with his wife Melanie after a brief separation, attended the London screening with his family. Reflecting on the film’s genesis, Bishop shared how he entrusted his personal story to Arnett and his collaborator, Mark Chappell, culminating in a project that he likened to nurturing a child.
The movie is slated for release in December, distributed by Searchlight Pictures.