Will Arnett Reveals the Role That Changed Everything
Will Arnett looks back on his standout performance in Bradley Cooper’s 'Is This Thing On?' and shares why voicing Batman in The Lego Movie series remains his most cherished role.
After three decades in the acting world, Will Arnett finds himself in a rather unique position. He’s recently been nominated for a Golden Globe, not for a blockbuster film or a hit television series, but for a podcast he co-hosts with his ex-wife. The show, SmartLess, features Arnett alongside Amy Poehler and Jason Bateman, and he seems genuinely pleased with the recognition. It’s a testament to his versatility that, even as he’s celebrated for his work in audio, he’s also receiving widespread acclaim for his latest on-screen performance.
Arnett stars in 'Is This Thing On?', a film directed by Bradley Cooper. The story centres on a father, down on his luck and navigating a difficult divorce, who turns to stand-up comedy as a way to cope. Arnett and Cooper’s friendship dates back to their early days in the industry, introduced by Poehler in 2003. The film has drawn praise for both Cooper’s direction and Arnett’s nuanced portrayal of a man at a crossroads.
Comedy, Animation, and Unexpected Success
Over the past twenty years, Arnett has become a familiar face in mainstream comedy, both on the big screen and on television. He’s also made a name for himself in family-friendly films that, more often than not, end up being just as entertaining for adults. Among these is the 2007 animated hit 'Ratatouille', which many consider a standout in Pixar’s catalogue. More recently, he lent his voice to 'Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers' in 2022, a project that brought together the creative minds behind Lonely Island.
Yet, it’s his work in the Lego Movie franchise that stands out. Arnett voiced Batman in the original 2014 film, its 2019 sequel, and the 2017 spin-off 'The Lego Batman Movie'. These films, ostensibly aimed at children, have found a broad audience thanks to their sharp humour and clever writing. The first Lego Movie, featuring the likes of Will Ferrell, Chris Pratt, and Elizabeth Banks, was a surprise box office sensation, earning nearly half a billion dollars and an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.
Finding a Favourite in a Storied Career
Despite a career filled with memorable roles, including the lead in the cult animated series 'Bojack Horseman' and a key part in the much-loved sitcom 'Arrested Development', Arnett singles out his turn as Batman as his personal highlight.
“I have never ranked my own roles before, but it feels right to place these three films at No 1. I did not realise what an impact Batman was going to have on my life. The character comes loaded with a bunch of preconceived notions, because he is Batman. He is a superhero with no super powers, so he has got to be quite confident. He’s an orphan and an only child, with incredible financial resources to do whatever he wants, and that has got to make him quite selfish. I liked the idea that he does not know how to be part of a team.”
The success of the Lego Batman spin-off, which featured Zach Galifianakis and Michael Cera, further cemented Arnett’s association with the character. The film grossed over $300 million on a relatively modest budget, and allowed Arnett to delve deeper into the psyche of the caped crusader.
“It was fun taking things further in The Lego Batman Movie, to really get into what drove him. You know, witnessing his parents’ murder, being raised in this incredible mansion, and becoming this night-stalking vigilante who saves the world from terrible criminals, but then comes home and eats a heated-up dinner on his own. What does that do to you?”