UPDATED ALREADY: 'Bruno' Budget More Than Doubles 'Borat'

Universal is loving some spoof

By: Brad Brevet
Published: Monday, April 7th 2008 at 6:48 AM

SIDE NOTE: Peter at SlashFIlm just sent me a little note that the Variety article may be a bit off as $42 million was actually what Universal paid for the rights to Bruno and that the budget appears to be only $20-25 million. THR. Attaway Variety and thanks to Peter!

According to Box Office Mojo the budget on Borat was $18 million and the Fox comedy starring Sacha Baron Cohen as the Kazakhstani reporter went on to make over $128 million. Not bad eh?

Well, I am sure most of you have heard about the goings on in Kansas as Cohen's Bruno has gotten underway and as all the lawsuits Borat faced have been shut down Universal sure is smiling as Bruno, the gay Austrian journalist, makes his way across America taking advantage of gullible, and most likely prejudice, Americans.

However, Cohen is probably smiling just as wide a grin as Variety reports the budget for the flick is over $42 million and is now eyeing an October 2008 release. Gotta wonder if the extra dough will turn into more dollars.

Personally I thought Cohen's Ali G character was the most entertaining of his personas, but Borat was awfully fun and I hope Bruno can duplicate its entertainment value.