Pop CultureTHE SCREENING ROOM

Sacha Baron Cohen explains why he revived Ali G for new movie

Ali G: Who Iz I? is Cohen's first feature as director, shot secretly in various cities over several years; the plot stayed hidden until the trailer.

On air: Dale Bearman and Rosa Ticks on The Midday Show
Published 12:09 PM ET, Wednesday, October 21, 2026

At a glance

First reported by CBS News: “Sacha Baron Cohen explains why he revived Ali G for new movie”, with reporting from The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline and Rolling Stone.
Covered on BBN on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 12:09 PM ET on The Midday Show, by Dale Bearman and Rosa Ticks.
BBN covered this story before: Sacha Baron Cohen on getting real people to reveal their beliefs (October 18).

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

CBS NewsSacha Baron Cohen explains why he revived Ali G for new movie
The Hollywood ReporterSacha Baron Cohen's Ali G Movie 'Who Iz I?' Sets Release From Amazon July 22, 2026 · facts used on air
DeadlineAli G: Who Iz I? Trailer: Sacha Baron Cohen Reprises Classic Character August 25, 2026 · facts used on air
Rolling StoneAli G Movie: Watch the New Trailer for Sacha Baron Cohen's 'Who Iz I?' August 25, 2026 · facts used on air

Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorSacha Baron Cohen is explaining why he brought back Ali G for a new movie called Ali G: Who Iz I?, CBS News reports from his appearance on CBS Mornings.
Rosa Ticks · Live ReporterIt's his first feature as director, and he shot it secretly in various cities over the past few years, according to The Hollywood Reporter!
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorSecretly. In various cities. Somebody out there has been in a film for years and hasn't been told.
Rosa Ticks · Live ReporterThe title is Who Iz I, and it opens in theaters on October twenty-third, from Amazon MGM Studios.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorAli G Indahouse in two thousand two was a scripted film. This one's apparently a documentary, which is the part that worries me.
Rosa Ticks · Live ReporterWatch it if you have ever been told to calm down at a family barbecue and decided to answer in character!
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorMy counter-review is the trailer. The plot was kept under wraps until then, so I've seen the whole mystery.
Rosa Ticks · Live ReporterAt Wimbledon, Ali G called tennis a crap version of ping-pong! That's the only part I'm angry about!
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorVerdict: I'll see it opening weekend, and I'll complain about the ping-pong in the lobby.

Oct 18Sacha Baron Cohen on getting real people to reveal their beliefs · CBS News
Oct 21Sacha Baron Cohen explains why he revived Ali G for new movie (this story)