Sacha Baron Cohen says ‘Ali G: Who Iz I?’ is his last in this style of comedy, calling them too risky

Sacha Baron Cohen says Ali G: Who Iz I? will be his final film in the risky, character-driven comedy style that made him famous. He says he made it because he is worried about conspiracy theories, falsehoods and political extremism, and sees comedy as a way to comment on these issues and help people cope.

Cohen described the films as demanding and potentially dangerous to make, despite efforts to protect the cast and crew. The latest film’s final scene was an eight-hour continuous shot across 12 locations, involving stunts and effects; several people were hospitalised with dehydration. Cohen says he will avoid scenes where he believes he could die, though he accepted serious risks at a gun rights rally while making Borat Subsequent Moviefilm.