Will Arnett Shares the Secret to Collaborating with Longtime Pal Bradley Cooper (Exclusive)
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The bond of friendship between Will Arnett and Bradley Cooper shines through in their upcoming movie ‘Is This Thing On?’, where Cooper serves as the director and co-writer alongside Arnett and Mark Chappell. In a recent exclusive interview at the 2025 GQ Men of the Year event, Arnett reveals the key to working with Cooper, emphasising the trust and honesty that their longstanding friendship brings to their professional collaboration.
Arnett, 55, and Cooper, 50, portray characters in the comedy-drama film, which delves into the life of a middle-aged stand-up comedian navigating challenges in both his career and personal life. This project marks the first time Arnett has acted in a film directed by Cooper, and he expresses gratitude for the positive experience, attributing it to their deep-rooted friendship. The ease with which they worked together reflects their ability to rely on one another and communicate openly.
Reflecting on their collaboration, Arnett shares, “I think you could run the risk of having that thing of worrying that you might not see eye to eye—or that you would have those [difficult] moments—and we just never did.” The actor continues by highlighting that everything fell into the positive category, making the emotionally intense project much more manageable due to their friendship’s foundation. Arnett praises their ability to be honest and supportive of each other throughout the filmmaking process.
Despite any potential differences in opinions, Arnett emphasises the mutual respect between him and Cooper, stating, “And if there are moments where we don’t, we always seem to come to some kind of an agreement.” This collaborative spirit and ability to find common ground have been crucial in their successful partnership on ‘Is This Thing On?’, which has received positive feedback since its premiere at the New York Film Festival in October.
During the premiere, Arnett reminisced about his initial meeting with Cooper and their shared living space in New York and later in California. The actors’ friendship blossomed, with Arnett moving into a unit next door to Cooper at a crucial point in their careers. Working on a project directed by someone they admire has been a surreal experience for Arnett, with the novelty and excitement still ever-present during the production of ‘Is This Thing On?’.
As the release date for ‘Is This Thing On?’ approaches, fans eagerly anticipate seeing Arnett and Cooper’s on-screen chemistry in a new light. The comedy-drama promises to deliver a heartfelt and engaging story, accompanied by stellar performances from a talented ensemble cast. With Arnett and Cooper’s friendship at its core, the film is set to captivate audiences with its authenticity and emotional depth.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Will Arnett and Bradley Cooper serves as a testament to the power of friendship in fostering creativity and success in the entertainment industry. Their ability to merge personal camaraderie with professional excellence has undoubtedly enriched the filmmaking process and elevated the quality of their work. As ‘Is This Thing On?’ hits theatres, audiences are in for a treat as they witness the magic that unfolds when two talented individuals come together to create something truly special.