‘Ali G: Who Iz I’ Star Morgana Robinson on Sacha Baron Cohen Not Letting Her Break Character as ‘Me Julie’ and Why Film Doesn’t Mock Working Class
Sacha Baron Cohen returns as Ali G in his first film featuring the character in almost 25 years, with Morgana Robinson playing his pregnant girlfriend, Julie. Robinson says the comedy tests how Ali G’s dated attitudes fit into modern society, and argues that Julie is central to the story. The film has drawn criticism over claims that it uses outdated racist stereotypes and mocks working-class people, prompting calls in the UK for cinemas to boycott it.
Robinson describes the production as an unusually demanding experience: Cohen asked her to stay in character off set, and filming included undercover scenes with real people. She says the film mixes humour with more serious and emotional elements, while suggesting that the story addresses questions raised about Ali G’s views. Amazon MGM released the trailer on 23 October; the article gives no release date for the film.
In short
- Sacha Baron Cohen brings Ali G back in a new film.
- Morgana Robinson plays his pregnant girlfriend, Julie.
- The film faces criticism over stereotypes and class.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The film can be defended as satire that uses Ali G’s outdated attitudes to expose their absurdity and test how they land today, rather than endorse them. Robinson’s account suggests Julie has an important role and that the story also makes room for serious consequences, so critics should judge the finished work before concluding it mocks working-class people.
The case against
Satire can still reinforce the stereotypes it aims to ridicule, especially when a character’s humour relies on racial caricature or treating working-class life as a joke. Critics may reasonably argue that reviving Ali G risks normalising dated material, and that calls for cinemas to refuse the film are a way to challenge the harm they believe it could cause.