Sacha Baron Cohen Retires Ali G and Borat Characters

Sacha Baron Cohen has officially retired from his signature brand of over-the-top comedy. In a candid sit-down with The Hollywood Reporter, the 55-year-old performer confirmed that "Ali G: Who Iz I?" marks the final chapter for his risky, character-driven creations.

"I want to do stuff that challenges me," he told the outlet. "So again, I'm not doing 'Borat 3,' which would also be incredibly challenging." He added that while the latest Ali G film was the most difficult project of his career so far, it will not be followed by more entries in the series.

Cohen previously stated he was finished with this specific style of humor. Yet, he returned to write and star because he felt "terrified of where our society is headed." He views his work as a necessary tool to comment on social decay.

He explained that his films allow him to expose extremism on both sides of the political spectrum while highlighting the dangers inherent in virtuous violence. His ultimate goal remained clear: he wanted to craft the funniest film ever made.

"These really are the hardest movies to make," Cohen admitted. "But I suppose I made it because I'm scared of this world of conspiracies and lies that are spread by social media and now by AI." Without shared facts, he argued, democracies crumble. Tolerance becomes impossible. Making people laugh serves as therapy for a fractured society.

His career began in 2000 with "Da Ali G Show," which launched his international fame. The breakthrough hit "Borat" arrived in 2006. He followed that success with "Bruno," "The Dictator," "Who is America," and the "Borat Subsequent Moviefilm."

He also took on dramatic parts in serious productions like "The Trial of the Chicago 7," "Les Misérables," and "Disclaimer" to show his range beyond comedy. Throughout the interview, Cohen insisted these comedies are dangerous to produce and incredibly demanding on the human body. He noted that he and his crew try hard to limit risks and keep everyone safe.

The final scene of his latest project described an eight-hour continuous shot spanning 12 locations. Gunfire, medical procedures, drones, explosions, and desert settings filled the chaotic setup. A great stuntman warned him on the way to set that making this movie would send him to the hospital due to dehydration from wearing a prosthetic head in a fat suit.

Cohen hired an endurance specialist who trains for the Tour de France to stand beside him during filming. Despite these precautions, several crew members ended up in the hospital from dehydration. He assured fans he will never perform a scene where he believes death is imminent.

He recounted pulling a scene from "Borat 1" after realizing a police officer kept his gun on his thigh for speed. The officer said he could draw within three minutes if attacked. Cohen realized that proximity to danger was not worth the risk and cut the scene immediately.

Conversely, he agreed to film a scene at a gun rights rally for the second "Borat" movie. He knew there was a real chance he could be shot but felt the film needed to exist. His willingness to take risks has paid off with two Academy Award nominations for writing "Borat" and its sequel in 2007 and 2021.

He also earned an acting nomination for his role in "The Trial of the Chicago 7.