Sacha Baron Cohen is set to revive his iconic character Ali G for a new feature film, according to reports from The InSneider. While representatives for the performer have declined to comment and no official release date or title has been confirmed, production on the project has already wrapped following filming in Oxfordshire and the United States.
Why is Ali G returning to the screen now?
The return of the “voice of da yoof” comes 24 years after his last major cinematic outing, Ali G Indahouse. Rumors of a revival first circulated in 2023, though the project faced significant delays due to the dual writers’ and actors’ strikes that impacted the US entertainment industry throughout that year. Baron Cohen was spotted filming in character in Oxfordshire during the summer of 2023, confirming that the project had moved into active production despite industry-wide shutdowns.
Although Sacha Baron Cohen publicly retired both Ali G and his Kazakh character Borat in 2007, he has brought both figures back for various projects. Borat returned for Borat Subsequent Moviefilm in 2020, while Ali G made appearances at the 2012 British Comedy Awards and the 2016 Oscars.
What can audiences expect from the new film?
The new production is reportedly being shot in secret, a strategy Baron Cohen has utilized for previous projects including Borat and the 2009 Brüno. This format typically involves placing the character in unscripted, real-world scenarios to interact with unsuspecting public figures and pundits.
Notable past interactions include an interview with Newt Gingrich and a segment featuring Tony Benn. The success of this format relies on the "naïf" persona of Ali G, who uses cultural appropriation and a distinctive West Staines vernacular to disarm his interview subjects.
How does this project compare to Baron Cohen’s recent work?
His credits include an Oscar-nominated performance in The Trial of the Chicago 7, as well as appearances in Les Misérables, Hugo, and the Madagascar franchise.
While his 2019 sketch show Who Is America? was noted for its incendiary political commentary, his most recent effort, the Netflix gender-swap comedy Ladies First, received poor reviews from critics.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the new Ali G movie officially confirmed? No, representatives for Sacha Baron Cohen have declined to comment, though reports of wrapped production have been verified by The InSneider.
- When was Ali G first created? The character debuted in 1998 on Channel 4’s The 11 O’Clock Show.
- Where was the new film shot? Filming took place in Oxfordshire and at various locations in the United States.
What are your thoughts on the return of Ali G? Share your predictions for the new film in the comments section below.
