Talk about a transformation!

After arriving at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City today (July 7) looking every bit the movie star that he is, Sacha Baron Cohen as seen leaving the studio as his alter ego ‘Bruno’ after taping a segment for tonight’s show.

Cohen is currently making the rounds promoting his latest comedy by the same name and it appears the flick could use all the positive PR it can get as its been flanked with controversy.

The lastest? An original ending to the film was apparently changed because it showed brutal gay-bashing.

In the current version — set to hit theaters on July 10 — Bruno and his estranged assistant Lutz (Gustaf Hammerstan) reunite, only to make a rabid mob in Arkansas angry when they make out during a cage match. Insults and projectiles are hurled, but by the end of the film they manage to escape to domestic bliss with their adopted black baby.

The original version saw the man-on-man kiss result in “a violent attack on the couple. They then cut to a press event where they are announcing their marriage or plans to, I forget which. But the boyfriend is now drooling, seemingly brain-damaged, and in a wheelchair, played for laughs.”

You know, because gay-bashing is so hilarious.