John Bishop has shared his excitement ahead of the upcoming movie about his rise to fame and his life away from the comedy circuit. The Liverpool-born comedian will be the focus of ‘Is This Thing On?”, directed by Bradley Cooper and starring Will Arnett and Laura Dern.
The upcoming comedy-drama is inspired by John’s life and will have its world premiere as the closing film of the 2025 New York Film Festival on October 10. The film follows Alex Novak, played by Will Arnett, and Laura Dern, playing Tess Novak; a couple whose marriage is on the rocks and are trying to navigate how to live separately with children.
Meanwhile Alex discovers comedy as his new hobby.
On Instagram yesterday, October 6, John shared a further update on the film as he posted a the movie poster. He wrote: “Yes – This Thing Is On. This is the poster of the movie… ‘Is This Thing On?’ inspired by the story of how I got into comedy.
“The world premier is in New York on October 10th (I will be on tour at the Aberdeen arena ) and the UK premiere is at the BFI Film Festival on October 14th.”
The comedian told followers that he will “definitely” be at the event with his wife Mel. He said: “It’s brilliant and surreal to know this is happening and I am incredibly grateful to everyone who made this happen.”
Is This Thing On? wrapped production in New York back in April, Bradley Cooper, who directs the movie, will also star as the best friend of Will Arnett’s character. John is an executive producer.
Stand-up comedian Chloe Radcliffe, on Richard Herring’s Leicester Square Theatre Podcast, spoke about the plot of the movie, saying: “Bradley Cooper is directing a movie starring Will Arnett and Laura Dern. Their relationship goes south, they split up, and Will Arnett discovers stand-up comedy.
“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.’ So anyway, that’s the movie that I just wrapped on.”
John has previously spoken about the split from his wife, Melanie, before they got back together. On the Graham Norton show earlier this year, he said: “So, I’d split up with my wife; it was a Monday night.
“I had the kids all weekend, and on a Monday I was just depressed, so I thought, ‘I’ll do something that you can do on your own.’ And it was either a comedy club or lap dancing.”
About his first memory after entering the world of comedy, John added: “I was meant to do seven minutes but because there was no one there, they let me carry on. I did about 25 minutes.
“When I walked off, I remember Mick the compere and the fellow who ran the place, Dave Perkin, coming up to me and saying, ‘Where have you been doing your stand-up”
After the latest movie update, fans and friends of the 58-year-old said: “That’s awesome @johnbish100! THANK YOU for everything you do! HAVE FUN! We do, thanks to you!”
Another said: “What a wild adventure @johnbish100 . I live in the US now and keep telling everyone I know that it’s inspired by your journey. I can’t wait to see you and Mel at the Oscars…”
Further responses included: “My favourite and the best actor/director directing a movie about my favourite and the funniest comedian ever, what more can I ask for in a movie! A Comedy Star Is Born!”