Actor Sacha Baron Cohen is bringing back controversial character Ali G. The character was first introduced in the late 1990s. Baron Cohen portrayed Ali G in 1998 for a British sketch series, “The 11 O’Clock Show.” The character would become such a hit that Baron Cohen developed “Da Ali G Show” in 2000. It ran til 2004.
Baron Cohen brought back Ali G in 2021 for a routine during a secret gig in Australia. The surprise appearance worked out well during the show at The Comedy Store in Sydney. “I just wanted to get on stage and muck around and see what Ali G would be like with a crowd,” Baron Cohen said. “It was really good fun.”
Ali G would lead to the introduction of Baron Cohen’s other notable-yet-controversial characters Borat and Bruno. All three act as faux journalists, each getting solo films. With the resurgence of Ali G, many speculate Baron Cohen could be developing another movie for the character. Ali G’s 25th anniversary is this year after all.
A source close to Baron Cohen did confirm he is not developing any movies due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. The writer and actor is strictly abiding strike rules, and has only been working on his new stand-up tour. “As a SAG and WGA member he is supporting the ongoing strike alongside his fellow writers and actors,” the source said.
The WGA has recently returned to the negotiating table with the AMPTP. Hopefully the AMPTP will meet WGA demands.
