Bradley Cooper Eager for “The Hangover 4,”

In a recent interview on The New Yorker Radio Hour, Bradley Cooper expressed keen interest in joining a potential fourth installment of “The Hangover” franchise. Cooper, who rose to fame with the 2009 hit film “The Hangover,” revealed his enthusiasm for reuniting with co-stars Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms. Despite his willingness, Cooper acknowledged the skepticism surrounding director Todd Phillips’ involvement, stating, “I don’t think Todd’s ever going to do that.”

The original “Hangover” film, featuring Cooper as elementary school teacher Phil Wenneck, grossed a staggering $469.3 million against a $35 million budget. The success led to two sequels, “The Hangover Part II” in 2011 and “The Hangover Part III” in 2013.

However, obstacles stand in the way of realizing Cooper’s desire for a fourth installment. His soaring career, including roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and directorial ventures like “A Star is Born” and the upcoming Leonard Bernstein biopic “Maestro,” pose scheduling challenges. Additionally, the busy post-“Hangover” careers of co-stars Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, and Ken Jeong could complicate reunification efforts.

Director Todd Phillips, responsible for the success of the trilogy, has shifted from comedies to more serious dramas. Following “The Hangover,” Phillips directed the 2016 dramedy “War Dogs” and achieved critical acclaim with the Oscar-winning film “Joker.” Currently working on the sequel “Joker: Folie à Deux,” Phillips’ departure from the comedy genre further adds to the uncertainty of a potential “Hangover 4.”

While Bradley Cooper remains eager for a reunion, the practical challenges and diverging career paths of the cast and director cast doubt on the realization of “The Hangover 4.”