Jenkintown native Bradley Cooper talks shop about his latest project, directing Will Arnett and an upcoming role opposite Margot Robbie, writes Antonio Ferme for Variety.
Cooper and Arnett first met as struggling actors hustling from audition to audition decades ago. Now, they’re co-starring in Is This Thing On?. The film is Cooper’s third directorial effort following A Star Is Born and Maestro. It premiered at the 63rd New York Film Festival, earning early buzz for its mix of humor and humanity.
“It’s just such a joy for us to be able to do this together,” Arnett said. “We have to pinch ourselves every step of the way.”
The movie follows a stand-up comedian (played by Arnett) navigating life and heartbreak, with Cooper stepping into a supporting role. Cooper, a self-professed Richard Pryor fan, collaborated closely with New York’s famed Comedy Cellar for authenticity, casting its general manager Liz Furiati as herself.
For Cooper, the project reflects his own path of reinvention. He credits Arnett with helping him overcome substance abuse in the early 2000s, a friendship that continues to shape his work.
Next up, Cooper is reportedly in talks to co-star with Margot Robbie in an Ocean’s Eleven prequel under her LuckyChap Entertainment banner.
To learn more about Cooper’s latest projects, check out Variety.
Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on MONTCO Today in October 2025.
