New film in development

Sacha Baron Cohen is working on a movie based on a Hong Kong billionaire who offered £40 million to any man who succeeded in marrying his lesbian daughter.

The film, called The Lesbian, is in development with Paramount Pictures, who have a ‘first look’ deal on any of The Dictator star’s ideas, trade magazine Variety reports.

Cecil Chao only made his ‘indecent proposal’ offer to any man who could ‘turn his daughter straight’ last week, and apparently has been inundated with offers. He put up the ‘bounty’ because he did not accept the same-sex marriage of his daughter Gigi – but she is said to have found the offer 'quite entertaining' rather than insulting.

Baron Cohen is expected to play Chao, or a character based on him, if the film makes it to the screen.

Hie is also working on a spy spoof, in which a James Bond-like figure goes on the run with his long-lost brother, a football hooligan.

Published: 5 Oct 2012