Introduction
Sacha Baron Cohen, the British comedian, actor, and master of disguise, is renowned for pushing boundaries and creating uproarious characters. From Borat to Ali G, his satirical brilliance has left audiences both amused and bewildered. However, behind the scenes, Cohen’s antics have occasionally sparked controversy. One such incident involves his co-star, Rebel Wilson, during the filming of the 2016 movie “Grimsby.” Let’s delve into the details.
The Movie: “Grimsby”
“Grimsby”, directed by Louis Leterrier, is an action-comedy film that follows the misadventures of two estranged brothers: Nobby Butcher (played by Cohen) and Sebastian Graves (played by Mark Strong). Nobby, a dim-witted football hooligan, reunites with his spy brother Sebastian to prevent a global terrorist plot.
Rebel Wilson’s Accusations
Rebel Wilson, known for her comedic roles in movies like “Pitch Perfect” and “Bridesmaids,” played the character Lindsey, a fellow spy in “Grimsby.” According to Wilson, working with Cohen was both exhilarating and exasperating. Here are the key accusations she made:
- Improv Chaos: Cohen is notorious for improvising on set. While this spontaneity often leads to hilarious moments, it occasionally disrupted the flow of scenes. Wilson claimed that Cohen would suddenly veer off-script, leaving his co-stars scrambling to keep up.
- Boundary-Pushing Humor: Cohen’s humor knows no bounds. During a pivotal action sequence, he allegedly ad-libbed a line that caught Wilson off guard. The scene involved a high-speed chase, and Cohen, in character as Nobby, shouted, “Hold on, Lindsey! I’ve got a ferret in my pants!” Wilson, stunned, managed to maintain her composure, but the crew erupted in laughter.
- Pranks and Props: Cohen’s practical jokes were legendary. He once replaced Wilson’s water bottle with a squirting flower, causing her to drench herself during a break. Additionally, he gifted her a fake snake, which she discovered coiled in her trailer toilet. Wilson admitted that while frustrating, these antics added an unpredictable energy to the set.
- Method Acting: Cohen’s commitment to his characters extended beyond the camera. He insisted on staying in character even during lunch breaks. Wilson recalled a surreal moment when Cohen, dressed as Nobby, ordered a cheeseburger at a local diner, confusing the staff and patrons.
The Fallout
The controversy surrounding Cohen’s behavior reached the film’s producers and studio executives. Some praised his dedication to authenticity, while others worried about the impact on the film’s production schedule. Ultimately, “Grimsby” was completed, and Cohen’s antics remained a memorable part of its behind-the-scenes lore.
Conclusion
Sacha Baron Cohen’s on-set antics are a double-edged sword. While they inject spontaneity and hilarity into filmmaking, they can also disrupt established routines. Rebel Wilson’s candid revelations shed light on the challenges of working alongside a comedic genius who thrives on chaos. As audiences enjoy Cohen’s outrageous characters on screen, they can now appreciate the chaos that unfolded behind the camera during the making of “Grimsby.”
