A truly unexpected duo – Bradley Cooper and John Bishop – who inspired the Hollywood actor-turned-director’s new movie, ‘Is This Thing On’. The life story of the Scouse award-winning comedian was the influence behind the new film, bringing it to life on the big screen.
While most of us wouldn’t want our midlife crisis to be so public, sharing one’s struggles can help inspire others. ‘Is This Thing On’ tells the tale of how becoming a comedian helped the protagonist, Alex, save his marriage after growing apart from his wife for years while struggling at his job.
How closely does the film mimic John Bishop’s story?
While the movie is only loosely inspired by John Bishop’s life, that is exactly what happened to the comedian in real life. After splitting with his wife Melanie, and co-parenting his children, Bishop started dabbling in stand-up comedy to help combat a low point in his life. And one night by chance, Melanie ended up at one of the Liverpudlian comic’s shows.
The set was about his ex-wife, whom he missed dearly, even fantasising about “keeping her head in the fridge”. As a result, the couple ended up reconnecting.
The plot of ‘Is This Thing On’
‘Is This Thing On’ by Bradley Cooper is a romantic comedy which follows Alex Novak, played by Will Arnett, who is trying his hand at the New York stand-up comedy scene. After breaking up with his wife, the protagonist experiences a midlife crisis and, just like John Bishop, ends up reconnecting with his wife after she accidentally stumbles upon his show.
Funnily enough, Bradley Cooper learnt John Bishop’s story through the lead actor, Will Arnett, who sat next to Bishop at a dinner 10 years ago.
Speaking at the BFI London Film Festival, Bradley Cooper told PA News Agency: “It’s inspired by John Bishop’s story, so that was the nugget of it, and then he [Will] was working on that with John, and he was just telling me about it because we were friends.
“And I just sort of saw this image of him, and I got excited about ‘What if we set it in New York, and what if it’s a movie about a relationship?’”
“I think directly, I think all of us have grown up on British humour and love it, so yes, it’s indelible.”
John Bishop to the PA: “I couldn’t write it because it was too personal, so (a producer) said, ‘Tell Will’. So that was eight years ago, and then Will said, ‘Look, I’d love to write it with my friend Mark (Chappell)’.
And then we spent a bit of time developing it, and then it just became their baby, and it’s an act of faith.”
“You’re handing over a part of your life to someone else, and you hope that they’re going to treat it properly, like you would with your child. And he’s done more than that. He’s treated it, he’s nurtured it, and he sent it off to college.”
When will ‘Is This Thing On’ be released?
‘Is This Thing On?’ directed by Bradley Cooper will be released on December 19 in the US, and on January 30, 2026, in the UK.