Good Fortune is a highly anticipated comedy film set to hit theaters on October 17, 2025. Written and directed by Aziz Ansari, this project marks his debut as a feature film director. He also stars in the movie, playing a key character named Arj. The film brings together an impressive cast, including Seth Rogen, Keanu Reeves, Keke Palmer, and Sandra Oh.
Produced by studios like Garam Films, Yang Pictures, Oh Brudder Productions, and Keep Your Head, Good Fortune is not just another comedy—it’s a creative blend of body-swap fantasy, sharp social commentary, and real-life struggles. At NetFilming, we explore where this unique movie was filmed and how the production unfolded behind the scenes.
What’s Good Fortune About?
The plot centers around a working-class man named Arj (Aziz Ansari), who’s stuck in the hustle of low-paying gig jobs under his wealthy boss Jeff (played by Seth Rogen). Things take a supernatural turn when Gabriel, a “budget guardian angel” played by Keanu Reeves, tries to teach Arj a life lesson by swapping his body with Jeff’s.
Gabriel’s goal is to prove that happiness doesn’t come from money. However, the plan takes an unexpected twist—Arj starts enjoying his new luxurious life a little too much, and Gabriel ends up losing his angel powers. Now stuck in a human body, Gabriel is forced to share an apartment with Jeff. As the chaos unfolds, the film humorously explores themes like privilege, identity and finding meaning beyond material wealth.
Where Was Good Fortune Filmed?
Good Fortune was mostly filmed in Los Angeles, California. LA was a good choice for the plot because it has a famous skyline, warm weather and neighborhoods that may be used for several things. The movie’s premise of mixing imagination with real life was wonderfully matched by the city’s streets, diners, roofs and apartment buildings.
A Denny’s restaurant was the setting for one of the most memorable sequences, in which Arj falls asleep after a long day. This locale fits with the film’s grounded storytelling style, showing familiar places with a lot of emotional depth. There were also rooftop sequences in LA with Keanu Reeves in a stunt harness, which added action to the already funny story.
Koreatown and other urban LA settings made the movie feel more real. The production used genuine places instead of green screens or huge sets, which worked quite well. This made the world more relatable, which made it easier for viewers to connect with it.
When Did Filming Take Place?
Filming was originally scheduled for May 2023, but due to the Writers Guild of America strike, the project faced delays. Production officially began in late January 2024, with the entire team returning to Los Angeles to get things underway.
Keke Palmer joined the cast around the same time filming resumed. Over the next few weeks, the crew filmed many scenes involving the main cast, including Rogen, Ansari and Reeves. The filming process wasn’t without challenges—Keanu Reeves injured his knee in February 2024, reportedly tripping on a rug in his trailer. He kept shooting scenes even on crutches, showing how committed he was to the project even if he had a setback.
Some moments that required a lot of physical effort, like a salsa dance routine, were put on hold until Reeves got better. But by March 2024, most of the main filming was done, with a few extra shots finished soon after.
Behind-the-Scenes Challenges
Even though Good Fortune is a comedy, its production journey wasn’t all smooth sailing. From the industry strikes and injuries on the set of the film to the actual production work, everything was bound within the unexpected. Regardless, the team put in the effort necessary to make sure the film remained true to its vision. According to reports, the chemistry between the cast members and Ansari’s vision kept the energy high throughout the shoot.
Director and star Aziz Ansari stepped behind the camera for the first time in a feature film, and he brought a deeply personal perspective to the story. Speaking at CinemaCon, Ansari said, “I wanted to make something funny, yes—but also something that makes you think about where real happiness comes from.” His approach helped the film balance heartfelt moments with sharp humor.
The crew had to push production to January 2024 because of the delays caused by the WGA strike. However, the optimism and energy on set remained high. Keanu Reeves, who plays Gabriel, suffered a knee injury, but that did not affect his performance as he gave the role quiet intensity. Ansari praised him saying, “Keanu kept showing up, even on crutches. His…dedication lifted the whole crew.”
The salsa dance scenes being postponed due to Reeves’s injury was one of the delays, but overall the shoot was completed successfully. The cast had commendable chemistry that was further strengthened during the shoot. In the scenes where characters were taken to the edge of their comfort zones, they seemed to shine the most. Insiders reveal that Seth Rogen, who had several scripted lines, improvised some of tthem,keeping the atmosphere light. The production team made a conscious effort to ensure real locations in LA were showcased instead of elaborate sets which enhances the relatability of the film.
Good Fortune Official Trailer
Stay connected with NetFilming for more updates on filming locations, cast insights, and upcoming releases.
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