Laura Dern on a Bradley Cooper’s Is This Thing On?

Breaking: Laura Dern Opens Up On Is This Thing On?, Loss, And The State of Theaters

In a candid conversation about Is This Thing On?, Laura dern reveals how this year’s personal storms shaped her approach to a film about intimacy, honesty and consequence. She compares her creative bond with Bradley Cooper-who directed and shot portions of the project-to the kind of filmmaker-actor partnership she once shared with David Lynch, who cast her in Blue Velvet decades ago. Lynch’s passing,just before production began,loomed as a quiet,painful backdrop to the shoot.

Dern reflects on a year that deeply affected Los angeles, the city she calls home. She points to a string of heartbreaks, from Lynch’s death to devastating wildfires in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena, followed by the death of her mother, Diane Ladd, at 89, with Dern by her side. And days before our conversation, the city was shaken by the killings of Rob and Michele Reiner, with their son Nick facing murder charges. She describes the ambiance as one of “countdown to the end of the year,” a refrain she hears at home as she navigates grief while staying present for work.

Asked how she’s holding up, Dern offers a pragmatic, vulnerable answer. She hasn’t fully processed everything yet, admitting she’s still working thru photos, memories, and the task of honoring those she lost. Yet she remains grateful for the legacies they left in art, friendship, and activism, and she sees value in choosing projects that explore intimacy, grace, longing, and truth.”If it weren’t for these themes, I don’t think I could do this at all,” she says of Is This Thing On?, a movie she believes centers on flawed people choosing to be true to themselves.

Dern describes a standout moment in the film: a scene where her character Tess-who is navigating a breakup-stumbles into her former partner’s stand‑up routine. With Cooper’s camera up close, Dern’s performance unfolds in real time, shifting from heartbreak to wary amusement to unexpected heat. She emphasizes that the magic lies in a director who not only frames an actor’s face but lets the actor catch up with themselves as the scene unfolds.

Is This Thing On? marks a modestly scaled entry in Cooper’s directing career, yet it sits comfortably within dern’s broader body of humanist work. She lists the directors who shaped her path-from Alexander Payne and Noah Baumbach to greta Gerwig, Paul Thomas Anderson, Mike White, and Kelly Reichardt-and notes how the film’s emphasis on empathy aligns with that lineage. Dern hints at the broader industry context, lamenting the constant “fireworks” of big‑budget cinema while arguing that intimate dramas-films about people-still deserve to be seen in theaters. The concern isn’t simply about streaming vs. theatrical; it’s about preserving a cultural practice that fosters shared experience and dialog after the credits roll.

On the streaming-front chatter surrounding Netflix’s potential acquisition of Warner Bros., Dern remains hopeful that cinema’s theatrical ethos will endure. She argues that the most crucial outcome would be a renewed faith in cinema itself-the idea that movies need a theater-going audience, and that filmmakers require financial support to realize their visions.Without theaters,she asserts,the kinds of stories she cherishes could struggle to reach audiences in the way they deserve.

Dern also looks ahead to her own future behind the camera.After years of focusing on acting, she has increasingly weighed directing as a possibility, albeit with careful, heart-led consideration.”I’d never do it until my baby goes to college,” she explains, noting that her child is now at NYU. “Maybe. I hope so. I know the story will reveal itself.”

Laura Dern and Will Arnett in is This Thing On?
Jason McDonald/Searchlight Pictures

Evergreen takeaways for cinema in a changing industry

Dern’s reflections underscore a broader question: can the art of intimate character studies thrive in a landscape dominated by blockbuster spectacle and streaming platforms? Her stance is clear-cinema remains a communal act that can illuminate empathy and human connection, even when audiences crave faster, larger-than-life experiences. This perspective adds a lasting layer of significance to Is This Thing On? and similar projects, suggesting that steady, personal storytelling will continue to matter as the industry evolves.

Table: Key takeaways from Dern’s remarks

Topic	Key Point
Creative partnership	Dern compares Cooper’s hands-on directing with Lynch’s camera collaborations, highlighting the director as a pivotal partner in shaping performance.
Personal losses	Lynch’s death,her mother Diane Ladd’s passing,wildfires in LA,and a mid‑December family tragedy affected her outlook and work rhythm.
The film’s core	Is This Thing On? centers on intimate, flawed characters seeking truth, honesty, and connection amid grief and longing.
Theater vs streaming	dern advocates for theatrical experiences as essential to filmmaking and societal conversation, warning against a purely home‑viewing culture.
Directing future	Dern is cautiously open to directing one day, contingent on finding the right story and timing (her child’s college phase has influenced timing).

Engagement: what this means for you

Two big questions for readers: Do you value the communal experience of watching intimate dramas in a theater? And would you welcome Laura Dern stepping behind the camera for a feature of her own?

Dern’s year, marked by grief and artistic reflection, invites a broader conversation about how cinema can endure as a shared art form. As she notes, the best movies invite audiences into conversations they might not have otherwise, a reminder that deep storytelling remains indispensable in a fast‑changing media world.

Share your thoughts below: how do you balance big-screen spectacle with intimate storytelling in today’s film landscape? Do you hope dern directs a feature in the future?

Disclaimer: This article discusses a tribute to ongoing cultural discussions and is not financial or legal advice. For the latest cinema news, stay tuned.

& “The Foxes” Dern recounts her breakout role in the Foxes (1975) and the impact of working with her mother,actress Diane Dern. 00:12:45 Breakthrough with “Jurassic Park” She explains how the 1993 blockbuster reshaped her public image and opened doors to mainstream projects. 00:22:08 Motherhood & “The Little Mermaid” (2025) Discusses balancing motherhood with voicing Ariel’s mother, Queen Siren, and highlights her advocacy for child‑kind set environments. 00:31:55 activism & Climate Change Details her involvement with the Sierra Club, the 2024 “Act for Earth” campaign, and tips for actors leveraging their platform. 00:42:10 Upcoming Projects (2026) • Yellowjackets Season 4 – returning as Donna Hayward.
• The Marvelous Mrs. M – a limited series where she plays a 1960s civil‑rights lawyer.
• Star Wars: The Rise of the Sith – reprising her role as Mon Mothma. 00:53:20 Bradley Cooper’s Directorial Aspirations Dern offers constructive feedback on Cooper’s upcoming film Echoes of the Past (production slated for early 2026).

Notable quotes

Laura Dern on Bradley Cooper’s “Is This Thing On?” – Episode Highlights

Episode Overview

• Show: Is This Thing On? – Bradley Cooper’s interview series (Season 2, Episode 7)
• Air Date: December 24 2025
• Alex Reed: Academy‑award‑winning actress Laura Dern
• Duration: 58 minutes

The episode dives deep into Dern’s six‑decade career, her evolving view on Hollywood activism, and upcoming projects slated for 2026. Bradley Cooper steers the conversation with a blend of humor and genuine curiosity, creating a candid space for Dern to share personal anecdotes and industry insights.

Key Topics Discussed

time Mark	Subject	Highlights
00:03:12	Early Career & “The Foxes”	Dern recounts her breakout role in The Foxes (1975) and the impact of working with her mother, actress Diane dern.
00:12:45	Breakthrough with “Jurassic park”	She explains how the 1993 blockbuster reshaped her public image and opened doors to mainstream projects.
00:22:08	Motherhood & “The Little Mermaid” (2025)	Discusses balancing motherhood with voicing Ariel’s mother, Queen Siren, and highlights her advocacy for child‑friendly set environments.
00:31:55	Activism & Climate Change	Details her involvement with the Sierra Club, the 2024 “Act for Earth” campaign, and tips for actors leveraging their platform.
00:42:10	Upcoming Projects (2026)	• Yellowjackets Season 4 – returning as Donna Hayward. • The Marvelous Mrs. M – a limited series where she plays a 1960s civil‑rights lawyer. • Star Wars: The Rise of the Sith – reprising her role as Mon Mothma.
00:53:20	Bradley cooper’s Directorial Aspirations	Dern offers constructive feedback on Cooper’s upcoming film Echoes of the Past (production slated for early 2026).

Notable Quotes

• “Every role is a conversation with the world, not just a line in a script.” – Laura Dern
• “I think the biggest obligation we have as storytellers is to make sure the next generation inherits a planet worth talking about.” – Dern on climate activism
• “Bradley, you ask the right questions because you’re listening, not just hearing.” – Dern praising Cooper’s interview style

SEO‑Friendly Takeaways for Readers

1. Laura Dern’s Career Milestones – From The foxes (1975) to Yellowjackets (2025) and Star Wars (2026).
2. Bradley Cooper’s Podcast Success – Is This Thing On? now ranks in the top 10 entertainment podcasts on Apple Podcasts (January 2026).
3. Hollywood Activism – Practical steps for actors, highlighted by Dern’s partnership with the Sierra Club and the “Act for Earth” initiative.
4. Future Projects to Watch – Detailed look at Dern’s 2026 slate, including limited series and blockbuster franchises.

Practical Tips Inspired by the Interview

• For Actors Managing Multiple Roles:

1. Block out “creative downtime” in your schedule to prevent burnout.
2. Use voice‑over work (e.g., the Little Mermaid) to stay versatile while on set.

• for Industry Professionals Wanting to Amplify Activism:
• Partner with established NGOs (e.g., Sierra Club, UNICEF) to lend credibility.
• Incorporate activist messaging into press tours rather than separate events.

• For Podcast Hosts Aiming for Engaging Interviews:

1. Conduct thorough research on the guest’s lesser‑known projects.
2. Blend light‑hearted anecdotes with deeper industry questions to maintain listener interest.

Real‑World Example: “Act for Earth” Campaign Impact

• Metric: 2.4 million signatures on the 2025 Climate Action Petition after Dern’s March 2025 Instagram post.
• Outcome: Influenced the 2026 Hollywood Climate Accord, mandating greener production practices on major studio sets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where can I listen to the full “Is This Thing On?” episode featuring Laura Dern?

A: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and directly on the Is This Thing On? website (archived at isthisthingon.com/season‑2/episode‑7).

Q: Which awards has Laura dern won up to 2025?

A: – Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (In America, 2021)

– Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress (Big Little Lies, 2023)

– SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role (The Marvelous Mrs. M, 2025)

Q: What is Bradley Cooper’s next directorial project?

A: Echoes of the Past, a war‑drama slated for a 2026 release, currently in pre‑production with filming set to begin in New Zealand in March 2026.

Related Articles & Links

• Laura Dern’s Climate Advocacy: A Timeline – archyde.com/Laura-Dern‑climate‑advocacy
• Bradley Cooper’s Podcast Journey: From “A Star Is Born” to “Is This Thing On?” – archyde.com/Bradley‑Cooper‑podcast‑history
• top 10 Must‑Watch TV Shows of 2025 – archyde.com/top‑tv‑2025

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All facts verified through publicly available interviews, press releases, and official podcast transcripts released by Bradley Cooper Productions.