Sacha Baron Cohen's character Ali G has resurfaced, causing disruption at the Wimbledon men's singles final earlier this month. Dressed in his trademark skullcap and gold chain, plus a custom Wimbledon jacket with cannabis leaves replacing crossed rackets, he posted on Instagram: 'If u iz at dis borin wimbledore final lookin 2 get grand slammed, I iz here wif de hookup.' He heckled Prince William, allegedly demanded a drugs debt from Prince Harry, and attempted to sell illegal substances. Security released him without penalty.
New Film Announced
A new Ali G film, titled 'Ali G: Who Iz I?', is set for worldwide release on 23 October. It marks Cohen's directorial debut, a move seen as giving him greater control over his projects. The film was shot in secret, with leaked locations including Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, home to figures like David Cameron and Jeremy Clarkson, and where US Vice President JD Vance was holidaying.
Ali G was last seen at the 2016 Oscars, where he presented an award after Cohen faked food poisoning to change into costume. The character first appeared in 1998 on Channel 4's The 11 O'Clock Show and later had his own show, interviewing unsuspecting subjects like Buzz Aldrin and Tony Benn.
Return to Staines
In the announcement video, Ali G represents 'the westside of Staines-upon-Thames', the Surrey town associated with his gang. The town changed its name to Staines-upon-Thames in 2011 to shed the Ali G connection, but the character's return suggests the association persists. Local MP Lincoln Jopp welcomed the news, saying, 'I can't believe Ali G is coming back! I loved Ali G Indahouse; it's hilarious. Sacha Baron Cohen is a genius.'
Local Facebook groups show mixed reactions, with some residents embracing the character and others preferring to say they are from nearby Laleham. The film's crew member told the Guardian it will be 'big. And packed full of laughs.'
