In a delightful departure from his action-hero persona, Keanu Reeves takes flight—quite literally—as a bumbling guardian angel in the latest trailer for Good Fortune, a high-concept comedy written, directed, and starring Aziz Ansari. Set to premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival and hit theaters on October 17, 2025, the film promises a blend of celestial chaos, sharp humor, and heartfelt moments. With a star-studded cast including Seth Rogen, Sandra Oh, Keke Palmer, and Ansari himself, Good Fortune is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated comedies of the year. The recently released trailer offers a tantalizing glimpse into Reeves’ comedic return, showcasing his signature earnestness wrapped in a pair of comically small angel wings. This article dives into the trailer’s highlights, the film’s premise, its production journey, and why Reeves’ angelic role might just steal the show.

A Heavenly Premise with a Comedic Twist

Good Fortune centers on Gabriel (Reeves), a well-meaning but somewhat incompetent angel who’s tired of his mundane heavenly duties, like preventing people from texting while driving. Eager to take on more meaningful tasks, Gabriel pleads with his angelic superior, Martha (Sandra Oh), for a chance to make a real difference. “To save a lost soul, you have to find a lost soul,” Martha advises, setting Gabriel on a mission that quickly spirals into hilarious chaos.

Enter Arj (Ansari), a struggling gig worker in Los Angeles who’s hit rock bottom—symbolized by a particularly low moment when his car is towed from a Denny’s parking lot. Gabriel, spotting an opportunity, decides to intervene by teaching Arj that money isn’t the key to happiness. His plan? A classic body-swap scenario, where Arj trades lives with his wealthy, eccentric boss, Jeff (Rogen). But things take an unexpected turn when Arj discovers that wealth does solve most of his problems, leaving Gabriel wingless, disgraced, and navigating the mortal world. The trailer teases a mix of class satire, existential humor, and slapstick comedy, with Gabriel’s tiny wings and deadpan delivery stealing every scene.

The film also features Keke Palmer as Elena, a character whose life mirrors Arj’s struggles, and Sandra Oh as Martha, the no-nonsense angel who strips Gabriel of his wings when his plan backfires. Supporting roles by Sherry Cola and Stephen McKinley Henderson add depth to the ensemble, promising a dynamic interplay of personalities. Ansari, who also produces alongside Anthony Katagas and Alan Yang, aims to revive the R-rated comedy genre, drawing inspiration from the irreverent humor of the 2000s and 2010s.

Keanu Reeves: From Action Icon to Comedic Angel

Keanu Reeves is no stranger to playing larger-than-life characters, from the stoic assassin John Wick to the time-traveling slacker Ted Logan. Yet, his role as Gabriel in Good Fortune feels like a perfect marriage of his comedic roots and his public persona as Hollywood’s most beloved “nice guy.” Reeves first showcased his comedic chops in films like Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989), Parenthood (1989), and I Love You to Death (1990), where his wide-eyed sincerity and natural charm shone through. More recently, he flexed his comedic muscles with a self-parodying cameo in Always Be My Maybe (2019) and a voice role as Duke Caboom in Toy Story 4 (2019). Good Fortune marks a significant return to comedy, allowing Reeves to lean into his unique blend of earnestness and absurdity.

In the trailer, Reeves’ Gabriel is a study in contrasts: a celestial being with a trench coat and comically undersized wings, delivering lines with a deadpan sincerity that’s both hilarious and endearing. “We didn’t want you to look like a Victoria’s Secret angel,” Ansari quipped in an Entertainment Weekly interview, explaining the choice to give Gabriel “budget” wings that reflect his low-tier angelic status. This visual gag sets the tone for the film’s irreverent humor, with Reeves embracing the role of a well-intentioned but flawed divine intervenor. His interactions with Ansari’s Arj—particularly the moment when Arj dubs him a “budget guardian angel”—are laugh-out-loud funny, highlighting Reeves’ ability to play the straight man in a chaotic comedy.

Reeves’ casting as Gabriel also feels like a nod to his real-life reputation as a compassionate, down-to-earth star. Fans and media alike have long celebrated Reeves for his kindness, from his reported acts of generosity on set to his humble demeanor in interviews. The trailer capitalizes on this image, presenting Gabriel as a sincere but bumbling figure whose heart is in the right place, even if his actions lead to unintended consequences. It’s a role that seems tailor-made for Reeves, blending his natural warmth with a touch of existential humor.

Aziz Ansari’s Directorial Debut: A Long-Awaited Triumph

Good Fortune marks Aziz Ansari’s feature directorial debut, a significant milestone for the comedian known for his work on Parks and Recreation and Master of None. Ansari’s journey to this point hasn’t been without challenges. His first attempt at directing a feature, Being Mortal (2022), was halted due to allegations of inappropriate behavior by star Bill Murray, a setback that delayed Ansari’s cinematic ambitions. Undeterred, Ansari pivoted to Good Fortune, a project that reflects his desire to create a theatrically released comedy inspired by the success of films like Barbie (2023).

Ansari’s multifaceted role as writer, director, producer, and star underscores his personal investment in the project. In interviews, he’s expressed a desire to bring back the kind of bold, R-rated comedies that defined the 2000s, citing Seth Rogen’s early work as an influence. “I feel like people are like, ‘Oh, no one goes to comedies in theaters anymore.’ It’s like, well, they haven’t really been making a lot of them,” Ansari told Entertainment Weekly. His collaboration with Rogen, who also starred in the ill-fated Being Mortal, and Reeves, whom he bonded with over Indian food to ease his starstruck nerves, speaks to the camaraderie behind the film.

The trailer showcases Ansari’s comedic sensibilities, blending sharp social commentary with absurd humor. Scenes of Arj reveling in his newfound wealth—complete with over-the-top purchases and a food delivery robot—contrast with Gabriel’s descent into earthly vices like smoking, offering a satirical take on class and privilege. Ansari’s experience crafting nuanced, character-driven comedy in Master of None is evident in the trailer’s balance of laughs and emotional depth, hinting at a story that’s as much about personal growth as it is about divine mishaps.

A Star-Studded Ensemble and Production Challenges

The cast of Good Fortune is a comedic powerhouse, with Seth Rogen bringing his signature blend of smug charm and vulnerability as Jeff, the wealthy venture capitalist. Keke Palmer, fresh off acclaimed roles in Nope (2022) and The Pickup (2025), adds warmth and relatability as Elena, while Sandra Oh’s Martha provides a stern yet humorous counterpoint to Gabriel’s ineptitude. The ensemble is rounded out by Sherry Cola, who reportedly plays a character smitten with Gabriel, and Stephen McKinley Henderson in a supporting role. This diverse cast promises a rich tapestry of interactions, with each actor bringing their unique comedic flair to the table.

Production on Good Fortune faced its share of hurdles. Originally slated to begin filming in May 2023, the project was delayed by the Writers Guild of America strike, pushing principal photography to January 2024 in Los Angeles. Reeves also suffered a knee fracture early in production after tripping on a rug in his trailer—an injury that sparked the viral hashtag #GetWellSoonKeanu. Despite the setback, Reeves continued filming, demonstrating the same resilience he’s known for in his action roles. Ansari praised his dedication at CinemaCon 2024, noting that Reeves “soldiered on” to complete his scenes. The majority of filming wrapped before April 2024, with additional scenes shot after Reeves’ recovery.

Trailer Highlights: Tiny Wings and Big Laughs

The latest trailer, released by Lionsgate on July 23, 2025, is a masterclass in building anticipation without revealing too much. Clocking in at just over a minute, it introduces Gabriel standing on a rooftop, lamenting his lackluster duties to Martha. “I want to guide people; I want to change their lives,” he says, his earnestness undercut by his comically small wings. The trailer then cuts to Arj, whose frustration with his gig-economy life is palpable, and Jeff, whose smug demeanor screams privilege. The body-swap premise is teased with quick cuts of Arj enjoying luxuries and Gabriel grappling with the consequences, including a humorous moment where he takes up smoking after losing his wings.

Standout moments include Arj’s incredulous reaction to Gabriel’s “budget” status—“You’re telling me I have a budget guardian angel?”—and a glimpse of Sandra Oh’s Martha confiscating Gabriel’s wings. The trailer also hints at the film’s visual style, with vibrant Los Angeles backdrops and a playful tone that recalls classic body-swap comedies like Freaky Friday and Trading Places. Posts on X have praised the trailer’s “teeny tiny angel wings” and “ayahuasca” references, suggesting it captures the film’s quirky humor.

Why Good Fortune Could Be a Game-Changer

Good Fortune arrives at a time when theatrical comedies are struggling to reclaim their box-office dominance. Ansari’s ambition to revive the genre, combined with a cast that blends comedic veterans and fresh talent, positions the film as a potential crowd-pleaser. Its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025 will likely generate significant buzz, especially given the star power of Reeves, Rogen, and Palmer. However, the film faces competition from Lionsgate’s own Michael, a biopic about Michael Jackson set for release on October 3, 2025, which could overshadow Good Fortune’s opening weekend.

The film’s exploration of class dynamics—through the lens of a fantastical body-swap—adds a layer of relevance to its humor. By juxtaposing Arj’s struggles with Jeff’s privilege, Good Fortune taps into contemporary anxieties about wealth inequality, a theme that resonates with audiences navigating economic uncertainty. Yet, the trailer suggests the film doesn’t take itself too seriously, balancing social commentary with absurd gags and Reeves’ endearing performance.

Reeves’ Renaissance and What’s Next

For Reeves, Good Fortune is part of a busy 2025 that includes Ballerina, a John Wick spin-off starring Ana de Armas, set for release on June 6, and Outcome, a comedy directed by Jonah Hill. His role as Gabriel also draws parallels to his earlier turn as John Constantine in Constantine (2005), where he faced off against the angel Gabriel. In Good Fortune, Reeves dons a similar trench coat but trades supernatural grit for comedic charm, complete with a nod to Constantine’s iconic look. Fans have noted this connection on X, with some humorously referencing Reeves’ rumored casting as Lord Rama in a Hanuman movie nearly two decades ago.

As Reeves continues to balance action, comedy, and dramatic roles, his versatility remains a cornerstone of his enduring appeal. Good Fortune offers a chance to see him in a lighter, more playful mode, reminding audiences of the comedic talent that first launched his career. With Ansari at the helm and a cast ready to deliver laughs, this angelic comedy could be the heavenly hit of 2025.

Conclusion

The trailer for Good Fortune has set the stage for a comedy that’s equal parts absurd and insightful, with Keanu Reeves’ Gabriel at its heart. From his tiny wings to his earnest attempts at divine intervention, Reeves is poised to deliver a performance that’s both hilarious and quintessentially him. Aziz Ansari’s directorial debut, backed by a stellar cast and a fresh premise, promises to breathe new life into the theatrical comedy genre. As fans eagerly await its October 17 release, Good Fortune is shaping up to be a celestial delight that proves even a budget guardian angel can make a big impact.