Sacha Baron Cohen is bringing one of his best-known comic creations back to theaters more than two decades after the character’s first feature film, with a new project that also carries a Czech production credit. Ali G: Who Iz I? is set for a theatrical release on Oct. 23 through Amazon MGM Studios, marking Cohen’s feature directorial debut and the return of the fictional London prankster who became a defining figure of British comedy.
Among the film’s executive producers is Czech filmmaker Petr Jákl, whose growing slate of international productions has made him one of the country’s most visible figures working in Hollywood. According to Jákl, the project was developed over several years in close collaboration with Cohen and production company ZQ Entertainment before finally being announced this summer.
Czech producer joins long-secret comedy project
Amazon MGM Studios officially unveiled Ali G: Who Iz I? after months of speculation surrounding Cohen’s latest project. The comedian had hinted at the return of the character through public appearances, including attending Wimbledon dressed as Ali G, before confirming the film with an in-character announcement on social media.
The new film follows the same secretive production approach Cohen employed on the Borat films, with much of the project completed out of the public eye. While plot details remain under wraps, the film is expected to continue the blend of improvised encounters, satirical interviews, and social commentary that defined both Da Ali G Show and the original Ali G Indahouse (pictured at top).
Ali G first appeared in 1998 on The 11 O’Clock Show before becoming the centerpiece of Da Ali G Show, where Cohen conducted deadpan interviews with politicians, academics, and public figures who were often unaware they were participating in a comedy. The character’s popularity led to the 2002 feature Ali G Indahouse, directed by Mark Mylod, which became particularly successful in the United Kingdom and developed a cult following internationally.
The new production also marks an important milestone for Cohen himself. Although he has written, produced, and starred in numerous features throughout his career, Ali G: Who Iz I? is his first feature-length directing credit. The actor has previously received Academy Award nominations for the screenplays to Borat and Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, as well as a supporting actor nomination for The Trial of the Chicago 7.
The collaboration also continues Cohen’s relationship with Amazon MGM Studios, which previously distributed Borat Subsequent Moviefilm in 2020. That film earned critical acclaim and multiple Oscar nominations despite premiering on streaming during the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, Ali G: Who Iz I? is being positioned as a theatrical release.
Petr Jákl expands Hollywood producing slate
For Jákl, the project represents another high-profile addition to an increasingly international producing career. The Czech filmmaker said the collaboration with Cohen had been in development for several years and required strict secrecy throughout production.
“The project that we developed together with Sacha Baron Cohen and our company, ZQ Entertainment, took several years to bring together,” Jákl said in a statement. “It was a challenging period because we couldn’t talk about it at all. I’m happy we succeeded in turning it into a major studio film that will be released in theaters rather than going directly to streaming.”
Jákl said working with Cohen in his new role as director was one of the project’s highlights, describing himself as a longtime admirer of the comedian’s work.
“This is the first project where I had the opportunity to collaborate with Sacha as a director,” he said. “I’ve admired him for a long time. I love his films. The Dictator is a fantastic comedy, and Borat is, in my opinion, the pinnacle of satire. I’m glad he’s returning to his roots, and I’m grateful to have been part of it.”
According to Jákl, securing theatrical distribution became a key objective as the project progressed through development. “The road to completing the film was complicated, but we managed to secure great distribution, and I believe audiences will enjoy the film,” he said.
The executive producer credit continues Jákl’s transition from Czech action filmmaker to international producer. In recent years he has worked on a growing number of English-language productions through ZQ Entertainment. He has previously said six Hollywood films are currently in the final stages of production, featuring casts that include Mark Wahlberg, Woody Harrelson, Jessica Alba, Anthony Mackie, Jason Bateman, and Sam Rockwell. He is also completing a feature documentary about actor Mickey Rourke, which he is producing and directing.
With Ali G: Who Iz I? set to arrive in theaters this October, the film adds another notable Czech connection to a major international studio release while marking the return of one of modern comedy’s most recognizable and provocative characters.
