Originally Published 2 months ago — by Rolling Stone
Keanu Reeves delivers a standout comedic performance as an angel in Aziz Ansari's 'Good Fortune,' adding depth and humor to this lighthearted film about life's value and the human experience, overshadowing its other cast members with his sublime portrayal.
Aziz Ansari advocates for a low-tech, analog lifestyle, using a flip phone and avoiding email and AI tools like ChatGPT, citing benefits like increased space for thinking and concerns about AI's impact on critical thinking and human interaction.
Human Rights Watch declined Aziz Ansari’s offer to donate part of his performance fee from the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia, urging performers to advocate for detained dissidents instead. While Ansari and others see the festival as a cultural exchange that could promote liberalization, rights groups emphasize the need to address human rights abuses in the country.
Human Rights Watch declined to accept donations from comedians, including Aziz Ansari, who performed at the Riyadh Comedy Festival, criticizing the festival's association with Saudi Arabia's human rights record. The organization emphasized its independence and called on performers to advocate for the release of detained Saudi activists, while many comedians defended their participation as a way to promote dialogue.
Aziz Ansari defended his participation in the Riyadh Comedy Festival during an interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, emphasizing that the festival promotes dialogue and change in Saudi Arabia, despite controversy over the country's human rights record. He highlighted the importance of engagement over isolation and expressed hope that such events can foster positive change.
Aziz Ansari defends his decision to perform at Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Comedy Festival, citing the importance of engagement and dialogue, and plans to donate part of his fee to human rights organizations, amid ongoing concerns over Saudi human rights abuses and the festival's controversial nature.
Aziz Ansari addressed controversy over his performance at the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia during an interview with Jimmy Kimmel, explaining his decision as a way to promote dialogue and support human rights causes, despite the country's repressive regime. Other comedians' reactions varied, with some defending and others apologizing for participating in the event.
'Good Fortune' is a comedic film at the Toronto Film Festival where Aziz Ansari and Seth Rogen star in a humorous take on life-switching, angelic mishaps, and social commentary on the gig economy, blending lighthearted fantasy with serious themes of economic disparity.
Aziz Ansari is hopeful to complete his directorial debut 'Good Fortune' with Bill Murray, despite Murray's misconduct allegations and the suspension of their previous project 'Being Mortal.' Both men have expressed regret and a desire to move forward, with Ansari reflecting on his own past controversies and Murray discussing his feelings about the investigation and its impact on his career.
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has announced new additions to its lineup, including directorial debuts by Aziz Ansari and Maude Apatow, world premieres of several films, and North American premieres of others, showcasing a diverse array of international and Hollywood talent.
The Toronto Film Festival has announced new star-studded Gala and Special Presentations, including world premieres for films by Bobby Farrelly, Guillermo del Toro, Aziz Ansari, Russell Crowe, and others, showcasing a diverse lineup of movies ranging from comedies and dramas to documentaries and biopics, set to run from September 4 to 14.
Lionsgate has released the trailer for 'Good Fortune,' a comedy featuring Keanu Reeves as an angel named Gabriel who meddles in the lives of a struggling gig worker played by Aziz Ansari and a venture capitalist played by Seth Rogen. The film marks Ansari's directorial debut and is set for release on October 17.
Lionsgate has announced new release dates for two major films: the Michael Jackson biopic, "Michael," directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, is now set for October 3, 2025, moving from its original Easter 2024 release. The film aims to capture the complex life of the legendary artist and is positioned for awards season. Additionally, Aziz Ansari's comedy "Good Fortune," featuring Keanu Reeves and Seth Rogen, is scheduled for release on October 17, 2025. Both films will face competition from other major releases on their respective dates.
Keke Palmer has joined the cast of Aziz Ansari's film "Good Fortune," which also stars Keanu Reeves and Seth Rogen. The movie, which Ansari wrote and is directing, resumed production after being suspended due to work stoppages. Palmer's addition to the cast comes as a positive development for the film, and Ansari expressed his excitement about her involvement.
Keke Palmer joins the cast of Aziz Ansari's feature directorial debut "Good Fortune" alongside Keanu Reeves and Seth Rogen at Lionsgate, reteaming with Ansari after their previous collaboration was shut down. Palmer's role is currently undisclosed, and the comedy is being produced by Anthony Katagas, Alan Yang, and Ansari. The film's production was temporarily suspended due to WGA pickets, and Palmer, known for her roles in various films and TV shows, has also founded her own digital network and recently made history at the 2023 Emmys.