In the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood comedies, few films promise to blend supernatural elements with laugh-out-loud humor quite like Good Fortune. Directed by Aziz Ansari in his feature directorial debut, this upcoming movie stars an ensemble cast led by the iconic Keanu Reeves as a bumbling guardian angel named Gabriel. Set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025 and hit theaters on October 17, 2025, the film explores themes of wealth, happiness, and divine intervention through a body-swapping mishap that goes hilariously awry. At the heart of the story is Reeves’ character, who, in a well-intentioned but disastrously executed attempt to teach a lesson about money’s limitations, ends up losing his angelic wings and being banished to live among humans. This “silly mistake” forms the comedic core of the narrative, turning what could have been a profound spiritual journey into a chaotic romp filled with awkward encounters, social commentary, and plenty of physical comedy.
The film’s premise is both fresh and familiar, drawing inspiration from classic body-swap tales while infusing them with a supernatural twist. Gabriel, described as a “budget guardian angel,” typically handles minor interventions like preventing people from texting while driving or choking on food. Eager for more meaningful work, he sets his sights on Arj, a down-on-his-luck gig worker scraping by with odd jobs for the ultra-wealthy venture capitalist Jeff. Arj’s life hits rock bottom when he falls asleep in a Denny’s booth, only to wake up to his car being towed. Seeing an opportunity to prove that money can’t buy happiness, Gabriel swaps Arj’s life with Jeff’s. However, the plan backfires spectacularly when Arj thrives in Jeff’s luxurious world, solving all his problems with wealth and refusing to switch back. As a result, Gabriel is stripped of his wings and powers, forced to navigate earthly existence as a mere mortal, rooming with the displaced Jeff while his angelic handiwork unravels around them.
This central blunder—Gabriel’s naive assumption that wealth would reveal its emptiness—highlights the film’s satirical edge. Ansari, known for his sharp wit from shows like Parks and Recreation and Master of None, uses the supernatural comedy to poke fun at class disparities in modern America. In a society where gig economy workers like Arj struggle with instability while billionaires like Jeff indulge in extravagances, the body swap serves as a vehicle for exploring how money does, in fact, alleviate many woes, contrary to Gabriel’s idealistic view. Yet, the humor arises from the absurdity: Gabriel, with his tiny wings and earnest demeanor, embodies the ineptitude of well-meaning interference, much like a cosmic version of a meddling friend who only makes things worse.
Keanu Reeves’ casting as Gabriel is a stroke of genius, leveraging his public persona as a kind-hearted, almost ethereal figure in Hollywood. Reeves, who has built a career on action-packed roles in franchises like The Matrix and John Wick, brings a gentle, understated charm to this comedic role. Fans might recall his previous brush with the supernatural in Constantine (2005), where he played the demon-hunting John Constantine opposite an angelic Gabriel—ironically, now he’s the angel himself, donning a trench coat and suit reminiscent of that film’s aesthetic. In Good Fortune, Reeves’ Gabriel starts as a low-level celestial being yearning for promotion, his small wings symbolizing his junior status in the heavenly hierarchy. The loss of those wings due to his botched intervention not only grounds him literally but also forces him to confront human frailties, leading to hilarious scenes of him adapting to everyday life—chowing down on fast food, dancing awkwardly, and dealing with mundane annoyances.
Reeves’ performance, based on early trailer glimpses, appears to blend his signature deadpan delivery with physical comedy. During production, Reeves suffered a real-life mishap that added an ironic layer to his character’s clumsiness. While filming a cold plunge scene with Ansari and Rogen, Reeves tripped on a carpet pocket in his post-scene shuffle, fracturing his kneecap. He recounted the incident on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, describing how his knee “cracked like a potato chip” as he fell in slow motion. Despite the injury, Reeves continued filming on crutches, showcasing his dedication—a trait that has endeared him to fans and co-stars alike. This accident, while unfortunate, mirrors Gabriel’s own propensity for silly mistakes, blurring the line between actor and role in a meta way.
Aziz Ansari, stepping behind the camera for the first time in a feature film, brings personal touches to Good Fortune. After the suspension of his previous directorial project, Being Mortal, due to allegations against co-star Bill Murray, Ansari pivoted to this comedy, drawing from his stand-up roots and desire to revive theatrical R-rated laughs. He cited the success of Barbie (2023) as inspiration, proving audiences crave original, fun films in cinemas. Ansari not only directs and writes but also stars as Arj, the everyman whose transformation from pauper to prince exposes the film’s central irony. His collaboration with longtime friend Seth Rogen was seamless; Ansari shared a draft with Rogen, who joined within hours, even contributing ideas like sauna and cold plunge scenes that led to Reeves’ injury.
Rogen, as the entitled Jeff, provides the perfect foil. Known for his stoner comedies like Pineapple Express and This Is the End, Rogen embodies the oblivious privilege of the ultra-rich, his body-swapped disorientation leading to uproarious moments. Keke Palmer, fresh off successes in Nope and Hustlers, adds depth as a supporting character, while Sandra Oh plays Martha, Gabriel’s angelic superior who assigns him the ill-fated task. Oh’s dry humor, honed in Grey’s Anatomy and Killing Eve, promises to deliver sharp quips as she oversees the chaos.
The film’s production journey reflects Ansari’s resilience. Announced in April 2023 with filming slated for May, it was delayed by Hollywood strikes but resumed in early 2024. Set photos from Los Angeles rooftops captured Reeves in his angelic garb—a beige trench coat, suit, and wings—building buzz even before the trailer dropped. Lionsgate, distributing the film, unveiled the first trailer in May 2025, which garnered positive reactions for its high-concept premise and star power. Critics at CinemaCon 2024, where Ansari presented footage, compared it to Trading Places (1983) meets Scrooged (1988), praising the laughs and timely satire.
Thematically, Good Fortune delves into the supernatural comedy genre, echoing films like Wings of Desire (1987) and its remake City of Angels (1998), where angels fall to Earth for love or purpose. Here, the fall is comedic punishment for hubris, with Gabriel’s “silly mistake” underscoring how good intentions can lead to disaster. The body swap mechanic, a staple in comedies like Freaky Friday, is twisted to critique capitalism: Arj’s quick adaptation to wealth challenges the notion that money corrupts, instead showing it as a practical fix for survival issues. This subversion adds layers, making the film more than slapstick—it’s a commentary on inequality, wrapped in absurd humor.
Early buzz suggests Good Fortune could revive the theatrical comedy slump. With Reeves’ fanbase, Ansari’s clever writing, and an ensemble delivering punchy performances, it aims to fill seats like Barbie did. The trailer’s viral moments—Gabriel’s rooftop plea for bigger duties, the chaotic swaps, and Reeves’ wingless bewilderment—have sparked online discussions, with fans noting ironic parallels to Reeves’ real-life philanthropy and humility.
As the release approaches, expectations are high. Will Gabriel reclaim his wings? How will the unraveling angelic work manifest in hilarious ways? Without spoiling, the film’s resolution promises heart amid the laughs, emphasizing that true fortune lies in connections, not cash. For Reeves, this role marks a delightful detour from action heroism, showcasing his versatility. For Ansari, it’s a triumphant debut, proving comedy’s enduring appeal.
In conclusion, Good Fortune stands poised to be a supernatural comedy gem, with Keanu Reeves’ angelic blunder at its silly, wing-losing center. This exploration highlights why the film is worth the wait—blending star power, sharp satire, and heartfelt humor into a divine cinematic experience.
