Aziz Ansari’s “Good Fortune” Brings Star Power and Heart to Theaters This October

Aziz Ansari’s much-anticipated feature directorial debut, “Good Fortune,” is set to light up theaters nationwide on October 17, 2025, distributed by Lionsgate . The film, which will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival a month prior, boasts a star-studded cast including Keanu Reeves, Seth Rogen, Keke Palmer, Sandra Oh, and Sherry Cola .

“Good Fortune” centers on Gabriel (Keanu Reeves), a well-meaning but clumsy guardian angel whose latest celestial assignment upends the lives of Arj (Aziz Ansari), a struggling gig worker, and Jeff (Seth Rogen), a wealthy venture capitalist. Gabriel’s plan to teach Arj about the limitations of wealth—by orchestrating a body swap with his privileged boss—spirals hilariously off course, putting the angel’s own fate in jeopardy . The film’s comedic approach, reminiscent of classic body-swap movies like “Big” and “Trading Places,” is updated for a new generation and reflects deeper questions about identity, privilege, and the meaning of fulfillment in a rapidly changing world .

The ensemble cast, which includes Keke Palmer, Sandra Oh, and Sherry Cola, is notable for its diversity across race, gender, and genre experience . Sandra Oh and Stephen McKinley Henderson are rumored to portray fellow angels, lending further depth and humor to the celestial cast . The film’s casting and character dynamics provide opportunities for LGBTQ+ viewers to connect with stories that transcend traditional boundaries and place value in found family and self-discovery—key themes within queer narratives. While no explicit LGBTQ+ plotline has been confirmed in public materials, the inclusive approach to casting and the film’s focus on identity and transformation resonate with the community’s ongoing calls for broader, more nuanced representation in mainstream media .

Aziz Ansari’s pivot to “Good Fortune” came after his previous project, “Being Mortal,” was suspended in 2022 . Inspired by the renewed box office success of diverse comedies like “Barbie,” Ansari sought to create a film with theatrical ambition and wide appeal . Principal photography began in Los Angeles in early 2024 after delays due to industry strikes and a brief pause following an on-set injury to Keanu Reeves . The majority of filming wrapped by spring 2024, with the production team—including Anthony Katagas, Alan Yang, and Aniz Adam Ansari—bringing together a wealth of experience from acclaimed projects across film and television .

The film’s trailer showcases a blend of slapstick humor and heartfelt moments, with Gabriel describing himself as a “budget guardian angel” who prevents minor mishaps and is now tasked with a much greater challenge . Sandra Oh’s character delivers the resonant line: “To save a lost soul, you have to find a lost soul.” The narrative’s body-swapping twist challenges characters—and audiences—to consider how privilege, empathy, and lived experience shape our understanding of success and happiness .

With its October release date, “Good Fortune” enters a competitive box office landscape that includes major studio releases but stands alone as the month’s most high-profile comedy . Early buzz from the LGBTQ+ community and broader audiences is positive, with particular enthusiasm around the film’s intersectional cast and Ansari’s ability to balance humor with thoughtful commentary. As many LGBTQ+ moviegoers continue to seek stories that reflect diverse experiences and challenge binary notions of identity and success, “Good Fortune” is positioned to be both a crowd-pleaser and a springboard for wider conversations about representation and inclusion .

“Good Fortune” will make its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2025, before opening in theaters nationwide on October 17, 2025 . Whether viewed as a fresh comedic romp or a quietly radical reimagining of familiar tropes, Ansari’s film is already generating excitement for its blend of star power, inclusive storytelling, and timely themes.