Thursday, October 22, 2026 - Sacha Baron Cohen has revealed why he brought back his controversial character Ali G, admitting he is “terrified of where our society is headed.” The comedian is returning to the screen with Ali G: Who Iz I?, released in cinemas on October 23, 2026. Speaking about the project, the 55-year-old actor explained that he uses comedy to confront extremism, conspiracy theories and growing social divisions.
He believes satire is more important than ever as misinformation spreads across social media and artificial intelligence makes it increasingly difficult for people to distinguish truth from falsehood.
However, Ali G’s comeback has already sparked controversy, with critics questioning whether the character’s exaggerated accent, cultural references and provocative humour remain acceptable today. Cohen has also discussed the hostility surrounding his work, including death threats he says he received following his earlier films.
Despite the backlash, he insists that his characters are designed to expose prejudice, ignorance and hypocrisy rather than encourage them. He argues that Ali G’s return reflects the problems he sees in modern society, although critics continue to disagree over whether the satire achieves its intended purpose.
The new film arrives amid renewed debate over freedom of expression, cultural sensitivity and the limits of comedy. Cohen hopes audiences will laugh while also questioning the attitudes and beliefs revealed through his character’s outrageous behaviour.
Yet the divided reaction demonstrates the challenge facing comedians who tackle sensitive subjects in an increasingly polarised world. As Ali G: Who Iz I? reaches cinemas, its reception could reignite a wider conversation about whether provocative satire can still challenge society effectively—or whether changing public expectations have made some forms of comedy harder to defend.
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