At the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, Aziz Ansari made his feature directorial debut with Good Fortune, starring Keanu Reeves. During the premiere, Ansari became emotional as he expressed deep gratitude to his wife, Serena Skov Campbell, highlighting her support throughout the film’s creation. This moment revealed a heartfelt side of the comedian and filmmaker, underscoring the important role she played behind the scenes.
Ansari introduced the film alongside Keanu Reeves, who stars as an angel overseeing a gig worker’s life. Following the introduction at Roy Thomson Hall, Ansari struggled to hold back tears while sharing how his wife stood by him during the demanding production process.
Behind the Scenes: Serena Skov Campbell’s Support
Ansari openly thanked his wife, saying,
“I also want to thank my wonderful wife Serena who, uh, I’m sorry,”
—Aziz Ansari. The crowd responded warmly as he called her “so wonderful.” He went on to describe how she read the script even before his co-star Seth Rogen and spent time with him rehearsing scenes.
“read the script before Seth or anybody, and would sit next to me in bed and read scenes with me,”
—Aziz Ansari. Overcome with emotion, Ansari lowered his head and apologized to the audience for his reaction, stating,
“This is so bad. This is so embarrassing. This is so bad,”
—Aziz Ansari.
He continued by recalling the sacrifices made during production, including time away from home due to preparation delays and a strike. Despite this, his wife’s understanding remained steadfast.
“But, she’s so wonderful. You make a movie like this or any movie, a lot of times you’re away from home, and I was gone a lot for this,”
—Aziz Ansari. He added,
“We had to stop for the strike, I had to prep the movie twice, so I was away from home a lot. I got her some jewelry the other day and she’s not mad. She’ll probably be mad because of what I just said!”
—Aziz Ansari.
Ansari and Campbell married in 2022. Campbell’s profession as a forensic data scientist was highlighted in reports following their wedding in Italy. The couple initially met in 2018 and made their first public appearance together later that year.
Developing Good Fortune: A Story of Angels and Gig Workers
Good Fortune marks an important milestone for Ansari, serving as his first completed feature film as a director after a previous project was halted. The story features Keanu Reeves as Gabriel, an angel assigned by his superior, Martha (played by Sandra Oh), to prevent deaths caused by texting while driving. Gabriel becomes involved in the life of Arj (Ansari), a gig worker facing financial hardship.
The film explores the intersection of technology, chance, and human connection when Arj accepts a position as an assistant to Jeff (Seth Rogen), a wealthy tech entrepreneur. As Arj juggles a new job and a romantic relationship with a former co-worker portrayed by Keke Palmer, Gabriel intervenes by swapping the souls of Jeff and Arj. This switch compels both men to experience life from the other’s perspective.
Good Fortune is scheduled for a theatrical release on October 17 through Lionsgate, promising a unique mix of comedy and heartfelt storytelling.
Challenges Faced: From Shelved Projects to Past Controversies
Before this successful premiere, Ansari encountered setbacks when the production of his earlier directorial venture, Being Mortal, was suspended in 2022. The halt occurred following a complaint against Bill Murray, who was part of the cast. Murray admitted that a joke he made was misinterpreted and acknowledged the company’s decision to investigate and pause filming.
“I did something I thought was funny, and it wasn’t taken that way,”
—Bill Murray. He also noted,
“The company, the movie studio, wanted to do the right thing, so they wanted to check it all out, investigate it, and so they stopped the production.”
—Bill Murray.
Murray expressed a willingness to reconcile with the complainant, stating,
“But as of now, we’re talking and we’re trying to make peace with each other,”
and added,
“We’re both professionals. We like each other’s work… and if you can’t really get along and trust each other, there’s no point in going further working together or making a movie as well.”
—Bill Murray.
Ansari himself has previously faced public scrutiny after an anonymous accuser described a date with him as leaving her feeling pressured and violated. Ansari asserted that the encounter was consensual and expressed surprise and concern when the woman later conveyed discomfort via text. He has stated that he apologized to the individual personally, though he did not issue a public apology at the time.
The Broader Significance of the Premiere
Aziz Ansari’s vulnerable moment of gratitude at the Keanu Reeves Good Fortune premiere underscores the emotional toll and personal sacrifices involved in filmmaking. His acknowledgment of Serena Skov Campbell’s unwavering support highlights the often unseen contributions close loved ones make during creative ventures. This deeply personal speech, combined with the film’s exploration of human experience through the lens of supernatural intervention, positions Good Fortune as a thoughtful addition to the genre.
Moving forward, the film’s October release will offer audiences the chance to witness the collaboration between Ansari, Reeves, Rogen, and Palmer. The premiere also marks a hopeful chapter in Ansari’s career after confronting professional and personal challenges, suggesting resilience and growth both on and off screen.
