'Bruno': Sacha Baron Cohen Pic to Bow Next May

Image credit: Da Ali G Show: Everett Collection

SACHA BARON COHEN AS BRUNO

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(FROM VARIETY) — One of the most anticipated comedies on Hollywood's upcoming slate now has a release date. Bruno, Sacha Baron Cohen's followup to the 2006 hit Borat, is set to debut on May 15, 2009. Although details have been kept secret, the new film is expected to be similar to Borat: It's based on a character that the comedian introduced to American audiences with his acclaimed HBO comedy series Da Ali G Show, and it is likely to feature Baron Cohen conducting interviews with people who are supposedly unaware that he's an actor in disguise — this time as a flamboyant Austrian fashion reporter.

Still, Universal's decision to release Bruno next May is risky. The Da Vinci Code sequel Angels & Demons has staked out the same release date, and further installments in the Terminator and Night at the Museum franchises are supposed to debut a week later. Bruno is the only R-rated picture due to bow during that time, however, so it could hit a sweet spot at the competitive summer box office. Borat was a surprise smash when it opened in the fall of 2006, ultimately grossing $128.5 mil domestically. (Variety)