How Baron Cohen Might Follow Brüno

Sacha Baron Cohen is box-office gold, but he can’t pull it off again … or can he? Eric Ditzian looks at some possibilities for the Brüno star’s future.

• "A Fourth Wacked-Out Journalist." Some thought Brüno couldn't fly after the exposure Borat brought, but the multiplex says otherwise. "No doubt, Cohen and his mischievous team could make a fourth movie work." (First film Ali G Indahouse didn't make it to US theaters.)

• Actually acting. Cohen could follow in other comic actors' footsteps and seek serious roles: "Cohen has impressive acting chops—how else doesn't he crack up during his absurd exchanges with his unwitting interview subjects?"
• Sketch comedy. The tube is sadly lacking in ambitious shows lately: "Ever since Dave Chappelle bailed on his Comedy Central show in 2005, the small screen has been missing a wildly creative comic chameleon who can deliver raunchy and provocative laughs once a week."
• Rock star. "He could create an entirely new musical persona, record an album and go out on the road," Ditzian writes. "Maybe even shoot a faux-documentary about the whole experience. If Joaquin Phoenix might be attempting something similar, why can't Cohen?"

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