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Bradley Cooper’s early acting career got a pretty solid push when he landed the role of Will Tippin on Alias, J.J. Abrams’ spy drama that made viewers question who was spying on who. But here’s the twist that no one saw coming—Cooper didn’t want to stick around. After two seasons, the actor begged Abrams to write him off the show. When he was still on the rise, one of TV’s biggest stars was already planning his exit. Why? Because Will Tippin wasn’t entirely living up to the Cooper potential.
Alias debuted in 2001, and we were all in on the twisted spy stories, secret agents, and deep conspiracies. Cooper played Will, Sydney Bristow’s (Jennifer Garner) journalist buddy who had no idea his friend was moonlighting as a CIA agent. Will’s life was like an episode of “I’m in danger,” all thanks to his endless nosiness to SD-6, the shadowy spy organization.
By the end of season 1, he was getting saved by Sydney and forced into the CIA gig in season 2. But Cooper wasn’t feeling it. Instead of becoming an action-packed spy sidekick, Will was stuck in a never-ending mess, and Cooper wasn’t into it. He told GQ, “I begged [Abrams] to write me off.” That’s right—he wasn’t having it. No other work lined up, no major career prospects… but he was done. Talk about a bold move.
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So, how did they write him off? Oh, Alias did not take it easy on Will. Season 2 brought in a whole “who’s-the-real-Francie?” plotline where his friend’s doppelgänger impersonated her, then stabbed him—because why not? The show didn’t just leave him in the hospital; it left his fate hanging by a thread. But, surprise! Alias pulled a “just kidding” in season 3. Will survived (cue the dramatic “he’s in witness protection” reveal), but his spying days were done. He returned for some guest spots later, helping Sydney and having spy fun, but the main character arc was over. Bradley Cooper’s role was wrapped up tighter than a spy mission gone wrong.
