Sacha Baron Cohen on Tarantino, AI, and Why ‘Ali G: Who Iz I?’ Is His Last Undercover Comedy

Deadline · 2026-11-02
Sacha Baron Cohen on Tarantino, AI, and Why ‘Ali G: Who Iz I?’ Is His Last Undercover Comedy

Sacha Baron Cohen, the boundary-pushing creator of Ali G, Borat, and Bruno, joined the Comedy Means Business podcast to discuss his career, his thoughts on Quentin Tarantino, the threat of AI to comedy, and why his upcoming project ‘Ali G: Who Iz I?’ will be his final undercover comedy. Cohen reflected on the risks and rewards of his immersive, character-driven style, which has made him one of the most influential and controversial figures in modern comedy. He explained that the physical and legal dangers of going undercover—coupled with his desire to explore new creative avenues—led to the decision to retire the format. Cohen also weighed in on artificial intelligence, warning that AI-generated content could undermine the authenticity and spontaneity that define great comedic performance. The conversation underscored why Cohen’s work matters: it not only entertains but also exposes societal hypocrisies, holding a mirror to audiences and subjects alike. As he steps away from undercover stunts, Cohen signals a new chapter—one that will be closely watched by fans and industry insiders.