Sacha Baron Cohen’s upcoming untitled comedy is currently being quietly shopped to distributors. Originally set to be released by Universal Pictures, the film has hit a few roadblocks. Sources reveal that the project was delayed due to the year-long strikes by SAG-AFTRA and the WGA, and now Baron Cohen is eager to see it released by next year, following the missed opportunity to capitalize on the 2024 election season.
Universal’s packed 2026 slate, including films from Steven Spielberg, Christopher Nolan, and several other major releases, has left no room for Baron Cohen’s comedy. As a result, his representatives at CAA have begun approaching other distributors with the script, with intense interest reportedly brewing. It’s expected that a deal will be finalized soon.
The comedian’s last project, the Borat sequel, also faced distribution hurdles before Amazon Studios took it on, releasing it at the peak of the 2020 presidential election. The movie went on to earn two Oscar nominations.
Baron Cohen is aiming for a 2026 theatrical release for his new comedy, and with multiple distributors showing interest, it’s likely that the deal will come to a close in the near future.