Sacha Baron Cohen and Rosamund Pike face off in Netflix ‘Ladies First’ trailer

Netflix has unveiled the official trailer for Ladies First, a sharp-edged comedy starring Sacha Baron Cohen and Rosamund Pike that flips traditional power dynamics through a parallel world premise. The film, set to debut on May 22, introduces audiences to a reality where gender roles are reversed, creating a social and professional landscape that forces its central character to confront his assumptions in unexpected ways.

Directed by Thea Sharrock, the film is an English-language adaptation of the French feature I Am Not an Easy Man. The screenplay brings together Natalie Krinsky, Cinco Paul and Katie Silberman, shaping a satirical narrative that explores shifting dynamics of power, identity and workplace hierarchy through a comedic lens. The story centres on Damien Sachs, played by Sacha Baron Cohen, a confident advertising executive whose life of privilege and casual relationships is abruptly disrupted after he wakes up in a world governed by women.

In this alternate reality, Damien finds himself stripped of the authority he once took for granted. His professional environment is led by Alex Fox, portrayed by Rosamund Pike, a former colleague who now occupies a position of dominance and control. What follows is a clash of ambition and perspective as the two characters compete within a corporate setting that mirrors and inverts real world gender expectations.

The ensemble cast also features Richard E Grant, Emily Mortimer, Charles Dance, Fiona Shaw, Tom Davis, Weruche Opia, Kathryn Hunter, Kadiff Kirwan and Bill Paterson. Their roles contribute to a broader comedic ecosystem that amplifies the film’s exploration of societal norms and workplace politics.

Producers Liza Chasin, Eleonore Dailly and Edouard de Lachomette oversee the project alongside executive producers Natalie Krinsky and Nicky Kentish Barnes. The production has been positioned as a global comedy release for Netflix, aiming to engage audiences with its mix of satire and accessible humour.

The trailer highlights the tonal balance of the film, combining exaggerated comedic scenarios with moments of reflection as Damien is forced to navigate a system where his previous advantages no longer apply. Alex Fox, as portrayed by Pike, emerges as a disciplined and assertive counterpart, challenging Damien at every turn both professionally and personally.

With its premise rooted in reversal and critique, Ladies First continues a growing trend of reimagined social comedies that use speculative settings to examine contemporary issues. Netflix’s release signals another high-profile addition to its 2026 slate, with anticipation building around how audiences will respond to its role-swapping narrative and its leading performances.