Sacha Baron Cohen Signals End to His Comedic Style

Sacha Baron Cohen has decided to step away from the outrageous comedies that defined his career. In a recent discussion with a major publication, the 55-year-old actor shared that his latest project, titled “Ali G: Who Iz I?,” will mark his last foray into the wild, character-driven humor that brought him fame.

“I want to pursue projects that really challenge me,” he explained. “So, no, I’m not making ‘Borat 3.’ Even though that would be quite a challenge, this recent movie really pushed my limits more than anything I’ve done before, but I’m done with that.” It’s interesting, because he has previously stated he was moving away from such comedy, yet he felt compelled to create this film due to his fears about societal trends. He sees comedy as a means to address these issues.

Cohen articulated his views on how his films often depict extremism across the political spectrum, highlighting the risks of violent virtue signaling. He also expressed a desire to create something genuinely hilarious, noting, “These films are definitely the toughest to produce. But I think I made it because the current state of conspiracy theories and misinformation—especially online—is alarming.” He considers it vital for a democratic society to rely on shared truths and that humor can be a form of therapy.

His breakout moment came in 2000 with “Da Ali G Show,” and he gained worldwide recognition with “Borat” in 2006. Following that, he starred in “Bruno,” “The Dictator,” and “Who is America,” in addition to more serious roles in films like “The Trial of the Chicago 7” and “Les Misérables.”

Cohen recounted the challenges involved in filming his latest work, stating that these comedies are often tough on both the mind and body. He elaborated on a complex final scene that spanned 12 locations, describing it as an “eight-hour continuous shot.” There were various elements to contend with, including gunfire and explosions, which certainly raised the stakes. He recalled one stuntman warning him that he might end up hospitalized due to dehydration during the shoot, as he was wearing a prosthetic head and a fat suit.

Despite his precautions, he mentioned that some crew members did indeed require medical attention during filming. Thankfully, though, he reassured fans that he would avoid dangerous situations: “I won’t do a scene if I think it could put my life in jeopardy.” A past encounter in “Borat 1” involved a police officer with a gun, where he realized the risks were too great and chose to cut that particular scene.

However, he did take calculated risks, notably filming at a gun rights rally for the sequel, feeling keenly that telling the story was paramount. His courage has been recognized, earning him two Academy Award nominations for his writing in “Borat” and its sequel, along with an acting nod for “The Trial of the Chicago 7.”