Secret Ali G film 'Who Iz I?' confirms 2026 release date

As I watched the Wimbledon men's singles final on July 12, I couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement as Sacha Baron Cohen made a surprise appearance on Centre Court, donning the familiar yellow-tinted sunglasses, skull cap, and gold jewellery of his beloved character, Ali G. The comedian's return to the world of Ali G was met with cheers and laughter from the crowd, and it marked the beginning of a new chapter in the life of this iconic British satirical character.

Ali G, first introduced on Channel 4's The 11 O'Clock Show in 1998, was a satire of appropriated street culture that quickly gained popularity with its slang-heavy interviews with unsuspecting public figures. His subsequent appearance in Da Ali G Show in the early 2000s, the 2002 feature film Ali G Indahouse, and a memorable appearance in Madonna's 'Music' video cemented his place in British comedy history. While Baron Cohen went on to find international success with other characters originating from the same comic universe, Borat and Brüno, Ali G remained a fan favourite, with sporadic returns in the years since Ali G Indahouse.

But now, Ali G is back, and he's got a new film to show for it. Who Iz I?, the secret Ali G film that has been making waves, has confirmed a 2026 release date, with Amazon MGM Studios distributing. The movie, which will be Baron Cohen's first as a director, is set to hit cinemas on October 23, with plot details remaining under wraps. The project was reportedly filmed in secret, and fans can expect to see the character return to his man-on-the-street prank format.

In a video from the Wimbledon tournament, Ali G described tennis as "a crap version of ping pong" before joking about selling "herbal remedies" to spectators, giving fans a glimpse into the character's return. And then, in a notable step, Baron Cohen announced the news of the film's release date in character, writing on social media: "Dey haz finally made a documentary about me. And it ain’t dat crap one about da penguins, dis one haz got at least twice as much animal sex. Ali G: Who Iz I? Cominatcha on 10.23 wotever dat means."

As I reflect on the return of Ali G, I'm reminded of the impact the character had on British comedy and culture. Ali G's satirical take on appropriated street culture was a commentary on the times, and his popularity showed that even the most unlikely characters could capture the hearts of audiences worldwide. And now, with Who Iz I?, Baron Cohen is giving fans a new opportunity to experience the character's irreverent humor and social commentary.

As the release date of Who Iz I? Approaches, fans can expect to see Ali G return to the big screen in a big way. With Baron Cohen at the helm as director, the film is sure to be a hit, and it will be interesting to see how the character evolves in this new chapter of his life.