Cohen signs deal for $42.5 million for rights to new movie

British Comedian Sasha Baron Cohen has reportedly signed a deal for $42.5 million with Universal Pictures for his next film, "Bruno" - a gay Austrian fashion reporter.

Cohen's other characters, Ali G and Borat, have created quite a buzz and gave Cohen international fame.

"Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan," opens in theaters this Friday. The movie has garnered the attention of the Kazakhstan government who has been on a massive publicity campaign against the way Cohen plays Borat, a Kazakhstan TV reporter.

The Hollywood Reporter reported there was an intense bidding war for the film's rights and Universal won out. They gave "Bruno" a $25 million budget for making the film.

"Bruno" might garner the same attention from the Austrian government that Borat drew from the Kazakhstan government, but Austrian officials aren't admitting to being upset over the character - yet.

"Bruno who?," said an Austrian Foreign Ministry official when asked for a comment on Cohen's planned move into Austria, according to Reuters.