Old School. Biblically Independent.
By Kayleigh Donaldson | Celebrity | August 22, 2025
Bradley Cooper is back behind the camera with his third directorial effort, Is This Thing On? Following on from A Star Is Born and Maestro, hopes are, of course, high for the latest movie from one of Hollywood's most ambitious figures. This time around, however, things are a little different. This new movie has someone not named Bradley Cooper in the lead: Will Arnett.
It tells the story of Alex, a newly divorced man who is trying to navigate post-marriage life with his ex (played by Laura Dern) and kids. Amid this flux, he discovers a new hobby in the form of stand-up comedy. A lot of people saw the setup for Is This Thing On? and wondered if it was lightly inspired by Arnett's own divorce from Amy Poehler. It turns out, however, that the movie is based on a real comedian's life. It's just one you've probably never heard of if you're American.
Comedian Chloe Radcliffe, who stars in the movie, appeared on Richard Herring's podcast and confirmed that Is This Thing On? is actually about John Bishop. Yes, really. Said Radcliffe, "It is based on the life of John Bishop. I promise you! I think Will and John sat next to each other at a dinner 10 years ago, and Will heard his story was like, 'That rules, I want to do that someday.'"
For Americans not in the know, John Bishop is a pretty big deal in the UK. He was nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award, won a ton of other titles as a new act, then became a TV staple. Name a major British comedy panel show and Bishop's been on it (but not Taskmaster, weirdly.) He had his own variety show, a ton of best-selling stand-up specials, and was a pantomime favourite. Oh, and he was also a companion to the 13th Doctor on Doctor Who.
The story Radcliffe cites is one that Bishop has shared on talk shows before. While he was briefly separated from his wife in 2000, he went to a comedy club and ended up signing up for an open mic night just so he could avoid paying the £4 entry fee. Despite not having anything planned, he did well enough that he decided to go back every week and hone a routine. That kick-started a full-time comedy career and helped him to reconcile with his wife.
I can see why Will Arnett heard this and thought, 'hey, maybe this could be the version of BoJack Horseman' that doesn't make my audiences sob hysterically.' But it's still so dang weird that GOB Bluth and Bradley Cooper decided to turn it into a movie. Alas, Arnett will not be doing a Scouse accent for the role. See, that would have landed you an Oscar nomination, dude. Is This Thing On? will have its world premiere at the New York Film Festival.
