Good Fortune Movie: Release Date, Cast, Plot Details & Everything You Need to Know About Aziz Ansari’s Film

Aziz Ansari is on an ambitious journey to revive the charm of big comedies in theaters, with Good Fortune marking his directorial debut. Ansari not only stepped behind the camera but also penned the script, assembling an impressive ensemble cast featuring Keanu Reeves, Seth Rogen, and Keke Palmer, in addition to himself. The film’s unique premise revolves around Ansari’s character, who, with the guidance of Reeves’ guardian angel, realizes that his life is worth living by engaging in a body-swap with Rogen’s affluent tech entrepreneur.

Over the years, Ansari has gradually built towards this moment in his career. Previously, he directed 11 episodes of the critically acclaimed Netflix series Master of None, which enjoyed three successful seasons. In 2022, he was poised to direct the film Being Mortal for FOX Searchlight; however, production was halted shortly after it began due to allegations against actor Bill Murray. Following this unexpected turn, Ansari quickly transitioned to Good Fortune, enlisting Rogen and Palmer, both of whom were originally part of the Being Mortal cast.

Latest News on Good Fortune

Injuries on Set and Reception at CinemaCon

Aziz Ansari as Tom Haverford in Parks and Recreation

In January 2024, images surfaced of Keanu Reeves navigating set on crutches, sparking speculation about his condition. During his presentation of Good Fortune at CinemaCon, Ansari confirmed the injury occurred while Reeves was in his trailer between scenes. In a subsequent appearance on The Late Night Show with Stephen Colbert, Reeves elaborated on the mishap:

I was filming a scene with Aziz Ansari and Seth Rogen, and we were in a cold plunge. I was loving it, and after finishing the scene… my foot got caught in a pocket, and while I was doing the cold shuffle, I fell, and my knee didn’t follow. My kneecap cracked like a potato chip. Comedy’s hard, man.

While fans eagerly await the official trailer, clips of Good Fortune screened at CinemaCon in April 2024 were highly praised. According to reports from THR, the footage was received enthusiastically. Lionsgate’s President, Adam Fogelson, lauded Ansari’s work, referring to the film as “entirely unique,”and drew comparisons to the classic comedy Trading Places.

Release Date for Good Fortune

Scheduled for Fall 2025

Lionsgate has officially set the release date for Good Fortune on October 17, 2025. The film is expected to have a wide release, buoyed by its impressive cast and engaging premise. Coincidentally, the only other film slated for that date is Blumhouse’s The Black Phone 2.

In terms of competitors, October 2025 will see the release of significant titles such as Joachim Rønning’s Tron: Ares, Derek Cianfrance’s Roofman, and Antoine Fuqua’s Michael, a biopic of Michael Jackson. Notably, Good Fortune stands out as the only comedy scheduled for that month, suggesting Lionsgate’s confidence in its potential success.

Cast of Good Fortune

Star-Studded Cast Awaits

When Good Fortune was first unveiled in April 2023, Seth Rogen and Keanu Reeves were already on board. Almost a year later, Keke Palmer was confirmed to star as Aziz’s romantic interest. Additional notable actors include Sandra Oh and Stephen McKinley Henderson, who are rumored to portray angelic characters alongside Reeves.

Cast Member	Notable Past Roles
Aziz Ansari	Parks and Recreation, Master of None
Seth Rogen	Neighbors, Knocked Up
Keanu Reeves	The Matrix, John Wick
Keke Palmer	Nope, Hustlers
Sandra Oh	Grey’s Anatomy, Killing Eve
Stephen McKinley Henderson	Dune , Civil War

Story Details of Good Fortune

A Celestial Comedy

The plot of Good Fortune unfolds as a heavenly comedy reminiscent of classics like Warren Beatty’s Heaven Can Wait and Eddie Murphy’s Trading Places. Ansari has provided insights into the story’s setup, describing it as centered around Gabriel, a guardian angel tasked with preventing accidents while trying to save a struggling gig worker (played by Ansari) who has been wronged by a wealthy tech-bro (Rogen).

To illustrate that wealth is not a solution to life’s troubles, Gabriel orchestrates a life swap. However, when Ansari’s character latches onto his newfound luxurious life, Gabriel’s wings are taken away, forcing him into a human existence alongside the now-broke Jeff, prompting a humorous quest to restore balance.

Ansari’s Vision: Reviving Comedy in Cinemas

Challenges Facing the Comedy Genre

The theatrical success of comedies has declined sharply post-pandemic. While select franchise comedies like Deadpool have seen success, standalone comedic films have largely floundered, with 2024 witnessing an absence of any significant comedic hits.

At CinemaCon, Ansari expressed his motivation for creating Good Fortune, stating his desire to craft a theatrical comedy during a time when such films are often deemed unviable. He candidly remarked:

I have been doing some work that was more dramatic recently. I wanted to do a comedy, and I wanted it to be in theaters. I don’t buy into this theory that theatrical comedies are not a thing.

As we anticipate the release of Good Fortune on October 17, 2025, many are hopeful that Ansari’s passion for comedy will resonate and spark a resurgence in the genre.

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