Sacha Baron Cohen's Ali G: Who Iz I? Gets a Release Date
Cohen is making his feature film directorial debut
Good news for all Sacha Baron Cohen fans: A new Ali G movie titled "Ali G: Who Iz I?" is on the way – and a release date has finally been revealed. Via Instagram, Cohen, as Ali G, announced that the new movie will hit theaters on October 23, 2026. The announcement came as a complete surprise to many fans, as the project was developed entirely in secret. In addition, Cohen is making his feature film directorial debut.
The fact that the film was able to be made without any prior reports is no coincidence. Cohen once again relied on the same secrecy that characterized his "Borat" films. Both the first feature film from 2006 and the 2020 sequel were produced largely under the strictest secrecy. This approach is essential to Cohen's comedy style, as many scenes rely on genuine and unscripted reactions.
Ali G is one of the best-known characters with whom Sacha Baron Cohen gained international fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The self-proclaimed gangster made his first appearance in 1998 on the British satirical show "The 11 O'Clock Show". The character quickly became a fan favorite and got his own TV show, "Da Ali G Show".
In the show, Ali G appeared wearing oversized sunglasses, tracksuits, and speaking in a deliberately exaggerated London slang. Behind the facade, however, lay a sophisticated concept, as Cohen regularly tricked his interview subjects into answering absurd questions seriously or maneuvering themselves into embarrassing situations.
In 2002, the first feature film, "Ali G Indahouse", was released, in which Cohen portrayed the character on the big screen for the first time. The film achieved cult status, particularly in the United Kingdom, and is still considered one of the most famous comedy films of the early 2000s.
An Overview of Sacha Baron Cohen's Most Famous Roles
With his new "Ali G" movie just around the corner, it's worth taking a look back at Sacha Baron Cohen's extraordinary career. The British actor, comedian, and screenwriter has carved out a unique place for himself in Hollywood with his provocative characters. Whether as a rapper, a Kazakh reporter, or a French fashion journalist – hardly any other actor has pushed boundaries so frequently with his roles while simultaneously making audiences laugh. But Cohen has long since proven that he can also convincingly portray serious and multifaceted characters.
From Ali G to International Cult Star
The foundation for his career was laid in the late 1990s with Ali G. The character of the self-proclaimed gangster from a London suburb was initially created for British television and quickly became a pop culture phenomenon. With exaggerated slang, absurd interviews, and a healthy dose of vicarious embarrassment, Ali G even put politicians and celebrities in awkward situations.
This success ultimately led to the 2002 feature film "Ali G Indahouse". Although the film was a major hit primarily in the UK, it also brought Sacha Baron Cohen international fame and paved the way for his later projects.
Borat: Probably the Most Famous Character
Cohen achieved his definitive breakthrough in 2006 with Borat Sagdiyev. In "Borat", the supposed reporter from Kazakhstan travels across the U.S. and, with his provocative statements, causes numerous bizarre encounters. The film became a surprise hit worldwide and grossed many times its budget. At the same time, it sparked heated discussions about satire, prejudice, and political correctness. Cohen won a Golden Globe for his performance and was even nominated for an Oscar in the Best Adapted Screenplay category.
In 2020, he returned with "Borat Subsequent Moviefilm". The sequel also caused a huge stir with its hidden-camera footage and biting social commentary, proving that even years later, the character had lost none of his impact.
Brüno and the Art of Provocation
Borat was followed by "Brüno", another of his most famous fictional characters. In the comedy of the same name, the eccentric Austrian fashion journalist travels across the U.S. and once again holds up a mirror to society. As with Borat, Cohen worked with real people who often didn't know they were part of a film. It was precisely this blend of improvised satire and social observation that made the film a controversial yet unforgettable experience.
General Aladeen in The Dictator
In 2012, Sacha Baron Cohen took on the role of the fictional ruler General Aladeen in "The Dictator". Unlike his previous projects, the film largely dispensed with hidden cameras and instead relied on a classic comedy plot. With dark humor and numerous political allusions, Cohen satirized authoritarian regimes and dictators. Although the film received mixed reviews, General Aladeen remains one of his most famous characters to this day.
More Than Just Comedy
Even beyond his cult characters, Cohen was able to demonstrate his acting talent. In Martin Scorsese's "Hugo ", he played the eccentric stationmaster Gustave and, for the first time, showed a much more family-friendly side.
He received particular praise for his portrayal of the Israeli spy Eli Cohen in the Netflix miniseries "The Spy". Instead of over-the-top comedy, he presented a serious, emotional, and believable secret agent. Many critics described the series as a turning point in his career because it impressively demonstrated that Cohen is capable of much more than just playing satirical characters.
From Comedian to Versatile Character Actor
He also shone in films such as "Les Misérables", in which he played the shady innkeeper Thénardier, or "The Trial of the Chicago 7", for which he even received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of political activist Abbie Hoffman, Sacha Baron Cohen demonstrated his enormous versatility.
His career is marked by daring roles, sharp social satire, and a willingness to take risks. While characters like Ali G, Borat, and Brüno have long enjoyed cult status, his dramatic performances have shown that behind the flamboyant disguises lies an exceptionally versatile actor. With his new Ali G movie, Cohen is now returning to the character with whom it all began – and is likely to spark plenty of conversation once again.