• by Tanya Gazdik , Yesterday

Volkswagen of America partnered with Searchlight Pictures to feature the ID. Buzz as the family vehicle in Bradley Cooper’s new drama-comedy.

“Is This Thing On?” is directed by Cooper, who also served as producer. It stars Will Arnett and Laura Dern and is playing in theaters nationwide.

The electric ID. Buzz plays a key role in the film as the lead character’s trusted vehicle, which he purchases to impress his kids. It accompanies him through the film’s pivotal moments as he embarks on a new chapter in life. 

“The ID. Buzz fit seamlessly into the story we were telling about navigating change and rediscovering your direction,” said Cooper in a release. “It’s a vehicle that carries a sense of both nostalgia and reinvention, which mirrors the journey our characters are on.”

Volkswagen has long been associated with vehicles that feel personal, approachable, and quietly joyful, says Rachael Zaluzec, senior vice president of customer experience and brand marketing at Volkswagen of America. 

“As the spiritual successor to the iconic Microbus, the ID. Buzz has an innate ability to put a smile on your face,” Zaluzec said in a release. “We think it has a little bit of magic, and we were delighted that Bradley saw that spark and chose to weave it into his story.”

The placement -- which was likely inked many months ago -- comes at what is now a transitional time the electric vehicle. Volkswagen is pausing U.S. launch of the ID. Buzz for the 2026 model year amidst slow demand. 

A Volkswagen spokesperson told Carscoops that skipping the 2026 ID. Buzz would allow the automaker to better support the current model year while preparing for a possible return in 2027. The spokesperson rejected rumors by dealers that the model was being killed off completely.

“That is not accurate,” says the spokesperson. “We gave dealers this direction: The ID. Buzz continues to serve as an important halo product for the Volkswagen brand, and safeguarding its market presence remains a top priority.”