Sacha Baron Cohen is Brilliant but “Mad,” Co-star Says Filming is Exhausting

WHO:

Variety - Sacha Baron Cohen is the comedian who created and performs as Ali G.

Variety - Donald Trump is discussed by Cohen in the article.

Coming Soon - Sacha Baron Cohen’s co-star in *Ali G: Who Iz I?* described working with him as “exhausting” and said, “He’s mad.”

WHAT:

Variety - Cohen reprised Ali G for *Ali G: Who Iz I?* after retiring the character.

Variety - Cohen said Trump has “elements of brilliance” and that “we were too easy to dismiss him as a nincompoop.”

Coming Soon - A co-star characterized filming with Cohen as exhausting.

WHERE:

Variety - *Ali G: Who Iz I?* opened in theaters.

Variety - *Da Ali G Show* brought the character to audiences.

WHEN:

Variety - *Ali G: Who Iz I?* is scheduled to come to Amazon Prime on “Oct. 30.”

Variety - Cohen first brought Ali G to audiences at the turn of the century.

Variety - Cohen reprised Ali G 20 years after retiring the character.

WHY:

Coming Soon - The co-star’s stated reason for describing work with Cohen as exhausting was that “He’s mad.”

HOW:

Variety - Cohen reprised Ali G by dusting off his tracksuit collection.

(UPDATED October 23, 2026 23:19 UTC)

Sacha Baron Cohen has brought back Ali G, the tracksuit-wearing character he created and retired, for the film *Ali G: Who Iz I?* Cohen first introduced the character to audiences through *Da Ali G Show* at the turn of the century, then revived him 20 years after stepping away from the role. To get back into character, Cohen dusted off his tracksuit collection. The film has opened in theaters and is scheduled to arrive on Amazon Prime on Oct. 30. In discussing President Trump, Cohen said Trump has “elements of brilliance” and added, “we were too easy to dismiss him as a nincompoop.” A co-star in the new film described working with Cohen as “exhausting,” explaining, “He’s mad.” The comments offer a glimpse of the intensity Cohen brings to his return as Ali G.