Cast and Crew of Is This Thing On?

Is This Thing On?

As their marriage quietly unravels, Alex faces middle age and an impending divorce, seeking new purpose in the New York comedy scene while Tess confronts the sacrifices she made for their family—forcing them to navigate co-parenting, identity, and whether love can take a new form.

Full Cast of Is This Thing On?

Laura Dern as Tess

Laura Dern

Tess
In 'Is This Thing On?', Laura Dern took on the role of a determined and compassionate character who navigates personal and professional challenges with resilience and depth. This role marked a departure from her earlier, often more intense or dramatic parts, showcasing her versatility by blending comedic timing with heartfelt emotion. Compared to her better-known performances in films like 'Jurassic Park' or 'Marriage Story', this role allowed Dern to explore a lighter, more nuanced side of her acting, highlighting her ability to adapt to varied genres while maintaining authenticity. The performance stood out because it revealed her skill in balancing subtle humor with genuine emotional beats, enriching her already diverse career portfolio.
Bradley Cooper as Balls

Bradley Cooper

Balls
In 'Is This Thing On?', Bradley Cooper delivers a compelling performance as Balls, showcasing his versatility by blending sharp comedic timing with nuanced emotional depth. This role stands out from his more intense portrayals in films like 'Silver Linings Playbook' and 'American Sniper', highlighting his ability to excel in lighter, more irreverent characters while maintaining authenticity. A trivia fact: Bradley Cooper actually improvised several key lines in 'Is This Thing On?', adding spontaneous charm that enhanced the character's appeal.
Will Arnett as Alex

Will Arnett

Alex
In the movie 'Is This Thing On?,' Will Arnett plays a pivotal role that showcases his versatility beyond his typical comedic persona. Unlike his earlier, better-known work where he often portrays sarcastic or over-the-top characters—such as Gob Bluth in 'Arrested Development'—this performance highlights a more nuanced and grounded side of his acting ability. His character in this film blends humor with subtle emotional depth, making it a standout role that contributed to the diversification of his career and demonstrated his range as an actor.
Peyton Manning as Laird

Peyton Manning

Laird
Fans of Peyton Manning might enjoy his role in the movie 'Is This Thing On?' because it showcases his natural charm and comedic timing, traits that echo the charisma he displayed during his illustrious NFL career. Compared to his most iconic performance as a legendary quarterback known for his precision and leadership on the field, this role offers a refreshing look at Manning's ability to entertain off the gridiron. An interesting and unexpected detail about his character is that he plays a fictional version of himself navigating the challenges of transitioning from sports to show business, highlighting his willingness to poke fun at his public persona.

Crew of Is This Thing On?

Full backstage crew list →