Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 24
Ali G Returns on October 23 as Sacha Baron Cohen Directs First Film
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 24

Ali G Returns on October 23 as Sacha Baron Cohen Directs First Film

3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 24

Summary

  • October 23 is the worldwide release date for “Ali G: Who Iz I?”, with Sacha Baron Cohen directing the film himself in his feature directorial debut.
  • This week’s title reveal followed a covert production that appears to fold real-world stunts into the movie, including an Ali G disruption at the Wimbledon men’s final that ended with security intervention but no penalty.
  • The project suggests a shift from 2002’s scripted “Ali G Indahouse” toward the ambush-interview style Cohen used in “Borat” and “Who Is America?”, with leaked UK and US shoots hinting at political targets.
  • Ali G, introduced in 1998 and declared retired in 2007, has resurfaced only sporadically since; the new film revives one of Cohen’s signature characters as he takes tighter creative control.

Insights

Which high-profile figures fell victim to Sacha Baron Cohen's secret Ali G revival before its highly anticipated October release?
Will Ali G's controversial 90s-style humor survive the intense scrutiny of today's cultural climate in this new Amazon MGM project?
How did Cohen manage to secretly direct a feature film while pulling off massive real-world pranks as his iconic character?