Keanu Reeves, Keke Palmer, Seth Rogen & Aziz Ansari Talk ‘Good Fortune’ and Guardian Angels at Esquire Table Read

In a room filled with talent, wit, and just the right amount of chaos, Keanu Reeves, Keke Palmer, Seth Rogen, and Aziz Ansari came together for Esquire’s special table read of Good Fortune—and what followed was a lively conversation about fate, fame, and cinematic fast food chains.

The event, which brought the star-studded cast together for an exclusive table read and roundtable discussion, quickly turned into something much more personal and playful. Chemistry came naturally between the four, with jokes flying as easily as heartfelt reflections.

The first spark came when Aziz Ansari, who wrote and is directing Good Fortune, kicked things off by calling the project “a spiritual comedy with heart and just enough weirdness to make your grandma nervous.” The film—centered around a man whose life unravels after encountering his real-life guardian angel—is already creating buzz, not only for its premise but for its unexpected cast dynamic.

Keanu Reeves, known for his stoic action-hero roles, showed a more relaxed, self-aware side. At one point, while riffing on the idea of fate and decision-making, he jokingly slipped into his iconic Matrix voice: “What if I told you your guardian angel works part-time at a Denny’s?” The room erupted in laughter, especially when Aziz picked up the thread: “Exactly, it’s a cinematic Denny’s—where the Grand Slam breakfast decides your destiny.”

Keke Palmer brought energy and authenticity, reflecting on how past films like Pineapple Express influenced her comedic timing. Turning to Seth Rogen with a grin, she said, “I watched that movie in high school, and I swear it rewired my brain. I knew I had to do something funny for a living.” Rogen beamed with appreciation and admitted he never imagined Pineapple Express would inspire a generation.

When the conversation turned to the topic of guardian angels, the answers were both sincere and hilarious. Reeves said he’d want his late mentor, River Phoenix, watching over him—“He had a beautiful soul and always looked out for people.” Palmer picked Oprah. “I need that calm, motivational voice in my ear when I mess up,” she laughed. Rogen chose Bob Ross “because I’d like all my disasters to be happy accidents,” while Aziz, ever the wildcard, said, “I want a guardian angel with attitude—like a fast-talking raccoon that smokes cigars.”

Beyond the laughs, the cast discussed how Good Fortune explores the idea that even random, unlucky moments can lead to profound personal growth. “Sometimes a breakdown is the start of a breakthrough,” Reeves noted thoughtfully, echoing one of the film’s key themes.

Whether it was Keanu’s philosophical musing, Keke’s infectious humor, Seth’s stoner wisdom, or Aziz’s rapid-fire comedy, the vibe in the room was unmistakable: four wildly different artists finding common ground in storytelling and laughter.

Good Fortune is shaping up to be a comedy with depth—and if this table read is any indication, audiences are in for something truly special.