Blake Kane Shines in Bradley Cooper’s Is This Thing On?

For most kids his age, after-school life means soccer practice, homework, and time with friends. But for Bucks County’s own Blake Kane, this fall includes something extraordinary: appearing alongside Hollywood icons Will Arnett and Laura Dern in Bradley Cooper’s new film, Is This Thing On?

At just eleven years old, Blake already has an impressive start to his acting journey. Inspired by his older brother AJ, who voiced Nonny on Bubble Guppies, Blake first caught the acting bug at age six. “During COVID, my brother was recording voiceovers from home, and I thought I could do that too,” he said. That early curiosity turned into a real passion that’s now taken him all the way to the big screen.

Before landing the movie, Blake appeared in the hit TV series New Amsterdam, playing young Max Goodwin in the series finale. “It was really cool,” he said. “I loved seeing how television gets made. There are lots of pieces that need to get put together like a puzzle.” In a fun coincidence, the same sound technician who mic’d him up for New Amsterdam also worked on Is This Thing On? “He mic’d us up every day on set,” Blake added with a grin.

When it came time to audition for Is This Thing On?, Blake first submitted a self-tape — reading lines with his mom — which was sent to the casting director Shayna. He later advanced to a chemistry read with Will Arnett and the actor playing his on-screen brother. “I remember that day so clearly,” Blake said. “Shayna and Will made me feel so comfortable. Even if I messed up, it would be okay. We read for both brothers and then switched characters — it was challenging but fun.”

A few days later, Blake was just getting home from wrestling practice when his mom shared the big news: he had booked the part! “It was awesome,” he said. “My mom even taped my reaction and sent it to my agent.”

Once filming began, the experience was unforgettable. “Will plays my dad and Laura plays my mom, so I worked with them a lot,” Blake said. “Bradley Cooper directed and operated one of the cameras himself, so he was always close by. It felt really magical. I couldn’t wait to get on set every day.”

One of Blake’s favorite scenes takes place during a school concert where he plays guitar on stage. “Everyone was screaming and clapping for us. It felt amazing,” he said. To prepare, he learned to play the bass guitar with help from a teacher, Mr. Nahass. “It was definitely hard because I didn’t have a musical background. We didn’t even have a bass guitar at first, so I practiced on a regular guitar that was strung backwards.”

Balancing acting and school life can be tough. Between tutoring hours and shooting scenes, days on set can be long. But Blake said the best memories came from the little moments. “The hair and makeup trailer was so fun. Lori and Rebecca were the best, Maggie the dog was always hanging out, and the catering was really good too.”

When he’s not filming, Blake is just like any other Bucks County kid. He plays soccer and wrestles, spends time with his brothers, and enjoys his favorite local spots. “I love Shady Brook Farm and Sleepy Hollow this time of year. And I love going out to eat. Oishi, Aqua e Farina, and Owowcow Ice Cream are my favorites,” he said.

Support from his hometown has meant a lot, especially since Is This Thing On? has a local connection. “People are extra supportive because it’s a Bradley Cooper movie. They like that he hired a local kid. And he’s an Eagles fan, so that’s a plus,” Blake said.

With his talent, warmth, and down-to-earth attitude, it’s clear that Blake Kane has a bright future ahead both on screen and right here in Bucks County.

Is This Thing On? is a 2025 American comedy-drama film directed by Bradley Cooper, from a screenplay he co-wrote with Will Arnett and Mark Chappell. It is loosely inspired by the life of British comedian John Bishop. It stars Arnett, Laura Dern, Cooper, Andra Day, Amy Sedaris, Sean Hayes, Christine Ebersole and Ciarán Hinds.

The film had its world premiere as the closing film of the 2025 New York Film Festival on October 10, and it is scheduled to be released in the United States by Searchlight Pictures on December 19, 2025. Blake’s excitement for the project is easy to understand. Is This Thing On has already begun generating awards-season buzz — Variety exclusively reports that Searchlight Pictures confirmed the film will compete in the drama categories at the upcoming Golden Globes, with Will Arnett and Laura Dern both campaigning for lead acting recognition.