The upcoming release of the new Ali G film, *Ali G: Who Iz I?*, has sparked calls for cinema chains to boycott the movie due to concerns over racial stereotyping. Picturehouse Cinemas, which operates 25 locations across the United Kingdom, has announced it does not plan to screen the film upon its October release.

The movie marks the return of Sacha Baron Cohen’s popular character Ali G after a 22-year hiatus. The character, known for donning fake dreadlocks and a Rastafarian hat, first appeared on Channel 4’s *The 11 O’Clock Show* in 1998 before receiving his own television series and a feature film in 2002 titled *Ali G Indahouse*. The trailer for the new movie, released this week, has reignited debate over the portrayal of marginalized communities.

Media monitor NewsCord has publicly urged major cinema chains to refuse to show the film, accusing distributor Amazon MGM of “reviving a racist caricature.” The organization claims Baron Cohen’s Ali G character promotes harmful stereotypes within marginalized groups. In response to previous criticism, Baron Cohen has described Ali G as a satirical figure representing white youths attempting to emulate black street culture.

As discussions continue, Picturehouse remains firm in its decision, stating, “We currently don’t have any plans to screen this film.” The film’s release is scheduled for October, and it remains to be seen whether other cinema chains will follow Picturehouse’s lead or opt to feature the film despite the ongoing controversy.