Sacha Baron Cohen’s ‘Ali G: Who Iz I?’ Sets October Release From Amazon MGM
Developed over time first seen 2 months ago
Sacha Baron Cohen and Amazon MGM Studios have confirmed 23 October as the release date for his secretly filmed Ali G project, "Ali G: Who Iz I?", marking Cohen's feature directorial debut and reviving the mockumentary character he created in the late 1990s. The film was announced via an in-character Instagram video, continuing the covert production approach and comic style Cohen established with the "Borat" films, and represents the character's first big-screen outing since 2002's "Ali G Indahouse".
Ali G originated on Channel 4's "The 11 O'Clock Show" in 1998 before headlining "Da Ali G Show" and the film "Ali G Indahouse", built around Cohen ambushing unsuspecting real-life interviewees such as Noam Chomsky, Andy Rooney and Newt Gingrich. Cohen filmed the new project in secret, echoing the approach behind "Borat" in 2006 and its 2020 sequel, both of which brought him Oscar nominations, alongside a further nomination for "The Trial of the Chicago 7". He has recently featured in Marvel's "Ironheart" and the 2026 comedies "Ladies First" and "Balls Up".
- Ali G film "Who Iz I?" set for 23 October release
- Marks Sacha Baron Cohen's feature directorial debut
- Shot in secret, echoing the "Borat" films' approach
New here? Start with this
Sacha Baron Cohen made his name with mockumentary comedy, using undercover characters to provoke unscripted reactions from real people. Ali G, a spoof wannabe rapper and interviewer, was his first breakout creation, appearing on British television from 1998 before headlining his own show and a 2002 film. The character became known for tricking public figures, including academics and politicians, into awkward on-camera exchanges.
Cohen went on to create other undercover characters, most famously Borat, whose two films were made using similar covert filming methods and earned him major awards recognition. He has also worked in more conventional acting roles, including television and film projects released in recent years.
The new Ali G film brings the character back to cinemas after a long gap, produced by Amazon MGM Studios and shot in secret in the same style as Cohen's earlier work. It marks his first time directing a feature film himself.
More coverage
- The Hollywood Reporter — Sacha Baron Cohen’s Secret Ali G Movie Sets Fall Release
- Deadline — Sacha Baron Cohen Secret Movie Unveiled: ‘Ali G: Who Iz I?’ Hitting Theaters In October From Amazon MGM Studios
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by Variety as “Sacha Baron Cohen’s ‘Ali G: Who Iz I?’ Sets October Release From Amazon MGM”.