During a recent Q&A session at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Bradley Cooper, Academy Award nominee and star of the highly successful Hangover franchise, expressed his enthusiasm for a potential Hangover 4. Cooper, who has worked alongside Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis in the previous installments, declared that he would return to the Wolfpack 'in a heartbeat.'
Cooper's admiration for his co-stars and the creative team behind the Hangover series was evident as he spoke about his willingness to reunite with them. 'To work with those guys — as you get older you realize it's all about the people you work with. So that group of people, they're so wonderful. We loved every movie we made together, and I would do it in a heartbeat.'
The Hangover, released in 2009, tells the story of four friends embarking on a memorable Las Vegas trip before one member mysteriously disappears. Directed by Todd Phillips, the film received critical acclaim and achieved significant commercial success. It has since become a beloved modern comedy. Two sequels followed, The Hangover Part II in 2011 and The Hangover Part III in 2013, although neither film was able to reach the comedic heights of its predecessor.
Reflecting on the impact of The Hangover on his life and career, Cooper shared his experience of walking around Las Vegas with tiger claw marks on his neck, a subtle reminder of the wild and hilarious adventures that unfolded in the movies. 'It was life changing. It was incredible. And that group of people — Todd Phillips and Larry Sher the DP, everybody. It was one of those things where we didn't know what we were making. We weren't even sure it was a comedy.'
Cooper recounted how they stayed at Caesar's Palace during the filming and he would still have the tiger marks on his neck while walking around the hotel. Yet, no one seemed to notice or care. This unique Vegas experience showcased the city's atmosphere of unfazed nonchalance. 'I've got tiger claws on my neck and no one even looked at us.'
Cooper further revealed that the realization of the franchise's success struck him during a memorable scene. When Ken Jeong's character, Mr. Chow, unexpectedly jumps onto Cooper's face unclothed except for shoes, the cast knew they had a winner. 'We all looked at each other: This is a winner. Cash the check, boys.'
While the Hangover series enchanted audiences with its blend of comedic chaos and unforgettable characters, Cooper has been expanding his repertoire as a multi-talented filmmaker in recent years. In 2020, he directed, co-wrote, and starred in Maestro, a biographical drama centered around American conductor Leonard Bernstein and his complex relationship with actress Felicia Montealegre. The film has garnered multiple nominations at the Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and a Best Actor nomination for Cooper himself.
As fans eagerly await any news of a potential Hangover 4, Bradley Cooper's passion for the franchise and his admiration for his co-stars and collaborators continue to shine through. The prospect of another adventure with the Wolfpack seems tantalizing, but in the meantime, audiences can appreciate Cooper's exceptional talent and dedication to his craft in projects like Maestro.
