will arnett

Will Arnett: From Blue Jays Fan Debates to the Big Screen with Is This Thing On?

Will Arnett, the beloved Canadian-American actor and comedian, has once again found himself at the centre of public attention—not just for his iconic voice and comedic roles, but for a flurry of recent headlines that span sports fandom, high-profile relationships, and a new film that’s generating serious buzz at major festivals.

From debates about his loyalty to the Toronto Blue Jays to his red carpet debut with model Carolyn Murphy and his starring role in Is This Thing On?, the multi-talented Arnett is proving he’s far more than just “Gob Bluth.” This article dives into the latest developments surrounding the Toronto-raised star, separates verified facts from speculation, and explores what it all means for his legacy in Canadian pop culture and Hollywood.

The Main Story: Why Is Everyone Talking About Will Arnett Right Now?

The spotlight on Will Arnett intensified in late 2024 and early 2025 thanks to two major events: the premiere of his new film Is This Thing On? at the BFI London Film Festival and ongoing public fascination with his personal life, including his relationship with supermodel Carolyn Murphy and long-standing ties to Toronto.

But perhaps the most unexpected headline came from Toronto Life, which asked a seemingly simple but culturally loaded question: “Is cherished Torontonian Will Arnett even a Blue Jays fan?” The article sparked a wave of debate among Canadian fans, highlighting how deeply Arnett’s identity is intertwined with his hometown—and how even minor absences from public sporting events can ignite national curiosity.

At the same time, Is This Thing On?—a film co-written by and starring Arnett—debuted to critical acclaim at AFI Fest and the BFI London Film Festival. The movie, which explores the complexities of modern relationships and aging through the lens of stand-up comedy, features Bradley Cooper in a behind-the-scenes role as a creative force, adding another layer of intrigue.

For Canadians, this moment feels personal. Arnett isn’t just another Hollywood export; he’s one of us. And now, he’s using his platform to tell stories that resonate far beyond the screen.

Recent Updates: What’s Actually Happening (Based on Verified Reports)

Let’s cut through the noise. Here’s what we know for sure, based on verified news sources:

1. Red Carpet Debut with Carolyn Murphy

On October 14, 2024, Will Arnett and Carolyn Murphy made their first official appearance as a couple at the BFI London Film Festival premiere of Is This Thing On?. This marked a significant step in their relationship, which had been confirmed by PEOPLE magazine just weeks earlier on September 5.

According to multiple reports, the duo walked the red carpet together, smiling and posing for photographers. Murphy, a former Vogue cover model and one of the most iconic faces of 1990s fashion, has largely stayed out of the spotlight in recent years—making this joint appearance a rare and noteworthy moment.

2. Critical Acclaim for Is This Thing On?

The film, directed by Cooper and co-written by Arnett and others, received praise at AFI Fest for its “refreshing honesty” in deconstructing marriage and romance. As The Film Experience noted:

“'Is This Thing On?' deconstructs marriage and romance with refreshing honesty, using stand-up comedy as both narrative device and emotional truth-teller.”

While the film hasn’t yet secured a wide theatrical release date, its festival reception suggests strong potential for awards-season recognition and audience engagement.

3. The Blue Jays Fan Controversy (Yes, It’s Real)

Toronto Life raised eyebrows—and laughs—by questioning whether Arnett truly supports the Toronto Blue Jays. The article speculated that his absence from recent games might stem from either: - A falling out with fellow SmartLess podcast hosts (Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes), or - A contractual obligation due to his role as a FIFA ambassador for Toronto, which could conflict with public allegiance to a U.S.-based MLB team.

Though no official statement has been issued by Arnett or the Blue Jays, the article tapped into a broader conversation about celebrity fandom in Canada. As one reader commented: “If Will Arnett isn’t a Jays fan, who even is?”

Verified Source: Toronto Life – Is cherished Torontonian Will Arnett even a Blue Jays fan?

Contextual Background: Who Is Will Arnett, Really?

To understand the significance of these recent events, we need to step back and look at the man behind the headlines.

A Toronto Kid Who Made It Big

Born William Emerson Arnett on May 4, 1970, in Toronto, Ontario, Arnett grew up in a city that shaped his identity. He attended Leaside High School, a public school known for producing several notable Canadian artists and athletes. His father, Emerson, was a corporate lawyer, and his mother, Elizabeth, a homemaker and former teacher.

Arnett’s early career began in Toronto’s theatre scene before he moved to New York to pursue acting. He gained recognition in the 1990s with roles on 3rd Rock from the Sun and The Mike O’Malley Show, but it was 2003’s Arrested Development that catapulted him to stardom.

Iconic Roles That Defined a Generation

Arnett’s portrayal of Gob Bluth, the delusional, magic-obsessed son in Arrested Development, remains one of the most memorable comedic performances in TV history. The character’s catchphrase—“I don’t understand the question, and I won’t respond to it”—became a meme before memes were a thing.

But his career extends far beyond that role: - BoJack Horseman (2014–2020): As the voice of the self-destructive, alcoholic horse, Arnett delivered a performance that blended dark humor with deep emotional resonance. The show is widely regarded as one of the best animated series of all time. - The Lego Batman Movie (2017): His gravelly-voiced Batman became a cultural phenomenon, especially among Gen Z and millennial audiences. - GMC Truck Commercials: His voice became synonymous with rugged, no-nonsense advertising, earning him a cult following among truck enthusiasts.

Arnett has also been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, drawing from his own experiences with anxiety and depression—particularly during and after his divorce from Amy Poehler in 2016.

Family Life: Archie and Abel

Arnett shares two sons with Poehler: Archibald “Archie” William Emerson Arnett (born October 25, 2008) and Abel James Arnett (born August 6, 2010). Both children have largely stayed out of the public eye, but Arnett has spoken about co-parenting with Poehler in interviews, emphasizing respect and collaboration.

“We’re not perfect, but we’re trying to do right by our kids,” he said in a 2021 interview (unverified source, for context only).

The Blue Jays Debate: Why Does It Matter?

You might be thinking: Wait, are we seriously talking about a celebrity’s baseball fandom? Yes—and here’s why.

In Canada, sports fandom is cultural currency. For a Toronto-born celebrity like Arnett, being seen at a Blue Jays game isn’t just about baseball—it’s a statement of civic pride. When Toronto Life questioned his allegiance, it wasn’t just poking fun; it was holding a mirror up to how Canadians view their public figures.

Arnett’s absence from recent games—especially during playoff runs—has been noticed. But the Toronto Life article offered a plausible explanation: his role as a FIFA ambassador for Toronto, part of the city’s bid for the 2026 World Cup.

As a FIFA ambassador, Arnett is contractually obligated to promote soccer as the city’s premier global sport. Promoting the Blue Jays, a U.S.-based team in a different league, could create a conflict of interest—or at least a perception of divided loyalties.

Note: This claim is based on contextual reporting and speculation from Toronto Life. It has not been confirmed by FIFA, the Blue Jays, or Arnett’s representatives.

Still, the debate speaks to a larger truth: **Canadians expect their stars to represent the