Sacha Baron Cohen film Ali G Who Iz I moves to Prime Video

The Sacha Baron Cohen film Ali G: Who Iz I? debuted on Amazon Prime Video on October 28 after a limited theatrical release. The Hollywood Reporter and ComingSoon both report that the feature had a brief run in cinemas before moving to the streaming platform. ComingSoon reported that the theatrical window lasted five days after opening on October 23, while FTMQ Film & TV reported earlier that Amazon MGM Studios originally scheduled a one-week theatrical window beginning on that date. [1][2][3][7]

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film faced an off-screen boycott campaign involving artificial intelligence mass mailings intended to pressure cinema exhibitors. The outlet reported that the campaign was organized by a group connected to previous efforts against Disney for casting Israeli actresses Gal Gadot and Shira Haas. The film's initial trailer release on August 25 sparked online backlash over the character's depiction, The Hollywood Reporter said. [1]

The mockumentary feature is written, produced, directed by, and stars Baron Cohen, who reprises the satirical character he created for television. He also resurrects characters from his television series Who Is America? within the guerilla-style production. The film is a standalone project rather than a direct sequel to the 2002 film Ali G Indahouse. [2][5]

Critical reception for the film has been mixed, with earlier reports from FTMQ Film & TV noting that initial review scores fell below Baron Cohen's previous Borat films. The release comes alongside legal challenges, as FTMQ Film & TV reported earlier that El Paso County Republican Party chair Michael Aboud announced plans to sue Baron Cohen regarding an appearance in the project. [1][7]