Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso Is Will Arnett Nailing This Interview?
14 snips
Jan 25, 2026 
Will Arnett, actor and podcaster known for Arrested Development and SmartLess, chats about turning John Bishop’s real story into his new film. He revisits early NYC hustle, voiceover roots, a pivotal Amsterdam meeting, working with Mitch Hurwitz, handling criticism and failure, and the joys of podcasting and family reactions.
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Timing Shapes Creative Resonance
- At 48, Will says he had availability to be moved by John's story in a way he wouldn't have earlier.
- Timing and personal readiness can determine whether a story transforms you or just feels like a cute anecdote.
How The Film Idea Began
- Will Arnett heard John Bishop's story on a canal boat in Amsterdam and immediately wanted to adapt it into a film.
- He and writing partner Mark Chappell pursued the project because the raw, Monday-night open-mic origin resonated with him personally.
Young And Earnest In New York
- Will recalled arriving in New York at 20 with little film knowledge and training at Lee Strasberg.
- He credits those early earnest years for shaping his hunger, despite later wishing he'd known more technical craft.
