Sacha Baron Cohen will take the lead role in Quentin Tarantino's West End stage play "The Popinjay Cavalier," which is expected to open in London in spring 2027, entertainment outlet Deadline reported.
The production is co-produced by Sonia Friedman Productions and Sony Pictures Entertainment. It was announced in March and is described as an adventure comedy set in Europe in the 1830s.
The show's synopsis describes it as a wild comedy of disguise and deception inspired by grand adventure works of theatre and film, calling it a sweeping celebration of theatre and its intense romanticism, delivered through Tarantino's characteristic style and humor.
Deadline announced the casting on X on September 10, 2026, writing: "Sacha Baron Cohen To Star In Quentin Tarantino's 'The Popinjay Cavalier' West End Stage Play In 2027."
Tarantino's move to the stage
Tarantino, the director of "Pulp Fiction," has been living in Tel Aviv in recent years. He revealed last year that he was working on a theatrical play and planned to move with his family to England so he could focus exclusively on preparing the production.
Tarantino said the play had already been written and that it was 100 percent his next step. He said the process would get underway in January and would likely take up a year and a half to two years of his life.
A near-miss with Tarantino a decade ago
Tarantino had previously cast Baron Cohen in a small role in his western "Django Unchained" in 2012. Baron Cohen left that film, however, to star in Tom Hooper's film adaptation of the musical "Les Misérables."
Baron Cohen is known for creating comic characters such as Ali G, Borat and Bruno, as well as for dramatic roles including his Oscar-nominated turn in "The Trial of the Chicago 7." Tarantino's other films include "Kill Bill" and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood." The West End is London's principal theatre district, and Sonia Friedman Productions is one of its leading theatrical producers, while Sony Pictures Entertainment is the film and television arm of Sony Corporation.
