When Aziz Ansari first started shaping his new film Good Fortune, he didn’t just want to make another comedy — he wanted to make something that blended humor, humanity, and a little bit of heaven.

“I really wanted to make a comedy,” Ansari said in a recent interview with Access Hollywood. “I was watching older films like Sullivan’s Travels and My Man Godfrey — comedies that tackled class and inequality — and I thought it’d be fun to do something like that for today’s world.”

That inspiration evolved into Good Fortune — a modern morality tale where an angel, played by Keanu Reeves, intervenes in human life with unexpectedly funny and heartfelt results.

“What If the Angel Messes It Up?”

Ansari explained that the film’s concept took off when he flipped the traditional “angel guide” trope on its head.

“I love those classic angel movies — Wings of Desire, It’s a Wonderful Life,” he said. “But I thought, what if the guy rejects what the angel’s saying? What if the angel isn’t even supposed to be doing this? What if his job is just to stop people from texting and driving?”

Then came the lightbulb moment.

“I thought, ‘What if it’s Keanu Reeves?’ That’ll be great. And it was great.”

Keanu Reeves Finds Humanity in a Celestial Role

For Reeves, who has portrayed everything from stoic action heroes to philosophical wanderers, playing an angel offered a chance to explore something different — a character both innocent and profound.

“It’s a beautiful script,” Reeves shared. “The angel has this ancient innocence — he’s discovering the senses of being human, learning, making mistakes. Through that, he finds wisdom — friendship, laughter, not giving up. It’s a journey about embracing humanity.”

The chemistry between Reeves and Ansari shines through both on-screen and off. The two often broke into laughter during interviews, with Reeves playfully echoing Ansari’s new favorite phrase:

“Chicken nuggies.”
“Chicken nuggeties,” Reeves teased back.

From Netflix to the Big Screen

Ansari, who wrote, directed, and stars in Good Fortune, said that his work on Netflix’s Master of None served as a “training ground” for his directorial debut.

“Seth [Rogen] was the first person I showed the script to,” Ansari said. “He came on board right away. He’s always been a generous collaborator and mentor, and I’m so glad he’s part of this.”

Even a fractured kneecap during filming couldn’t slow him down.

“Yeah, I tripped on a carpet in my dressing room,” Ansari laughed. “Vertical fracture — but I’m healing nicely.”

A Heavenly Fit

For Ansari, casting Reeves was a stroke of brilliance that elevated the entire film.

“As soon as his name came up, I could see it,” he said. “I went back and watched Bill & Ted, Parenthood — Keanu’s always had that sweetness and innocence. He’s really funny when he plays characters that have this mix of purity and confusion.”

The film also fits neatly into Reeves’s filmography, which has seen him play plenty of supernatural or “otherworldly” roles — from Constantine to The Devil’s Advocate.

“It’s such a cool addition to his career,” Ansari said. “Before we started filming, I actually did a Keanu film festival. Watching all his movies and then getting to make one with him — that’s a dream.”

A Touch of Heaven, a Lot of Heart

With Good Fortune, Ansari combines sharp wit, emotional depth, and a dash of celestial charm. And if the on-screen magic between him and Reeves is any indication, audiences are in for something truly uplifting — and very funny.

“I’m just proud,” Ansari said. “Proud that I get to put one on the Keanu shelf.”