Overview

• The fantasy-satire, Ansari’s feature directing debut, had its world premiere Sept. 6 at the Toronto International Film Festival with a cast that includes Keanu Reeves, Seth Rogen, Keke Palmer and Sandra Oh.
• Early reviews consistently highlight Reeves’ deadpan performance as a hapless guardian angel, while several critics question how effectively the film addresses wealth inequality and gig-work realities.
• Lionsgate set a wide theatrical release for Oct. 17, positioning the TIFF launch to shape box office and awards prospects over the coming weeks.
• At the premiere, Ansari delivered an emotional onstage thank-you to his wife, Serena Skov Campbell, drawing attention alongside the first reactions.
• Ansari has cited 1930s–40s social comedies as inspiration for the body-swap premise, which places a struggling Los Angeles gig worker in the life of a rich tech investor.