It’s not every day that a sauna gets its big break in Hollywood. But one of our Natural Barrel Saunas did just that—making an on-screen debut alongside Keanu Reeves, Seth Rogen, and Aziz Ansari in the upcoming film Good Fortune, hitting theaters October 17th.
Lights, Camera… Steam?
In Good Fortune, Aziz Ansari plays Arj, a struggling documentary editor whose luck takes a turn thanks to a meddling guardian angel (Keanu Reeves) and a life swap with a wealthy socialite (Seth Rogen). The comedy digs into questions of wealth, class, and everyday struggles—but with plenty of laughs along the way.
Ansari put it best:“You look at films from the 30s and 40s, there were a lot of movies that dealt with this kind of issues (wealth, equality and class) that were comedies… the idea of doing that kind of movie today felt really fun.”
And of course, what’s the modern symbol of wealth? Not a top hat. According to Ansari: “The modern version of that is a cold plunge and a sauna, wearing a bathrobe.”
Which is exactly how a Thermory sauna ended up on the call sheet.
Behind the Scenes: How Thermory Got Cast
“The movie company reached out to us because the director, Aziz Ansari, specifically asked for our Barrel 62 model for this movie,” says Amber Reese, Thermory USA Marketing Director.
“They asked if they could borrow it for the movie and send it back to us, which we were happy to do. Apparently, a lot of good conversations happen in the sauna!”
Sauna Life After The Spotlight
After the cameras stopped rolling, the sauna didn’t retire to a Hollywood storage lot. Instead, it found a new home with Michelle Hartley-Golino, Thermory’s own Outbound Freight Lead.
“I had been debating for over a year about getting a sauna,” Michelle says. “One day our warehouse manager called and told me we had the sauna from a movie. With that, I finally decided it was time!”
She didn’t realize just how much screen time the sauna would get until the trailer dropped.
“At first, I just thought it was cool that it was in a movie. But once I saw the trailer, I immediately sent it to my friends and family with the text: ‘Our sauna is famous!’”
The Best Supporting Barrel
The sauna in question? Thermory’s Natural 62 Barrel, our largest barrel model—big enough for six people and (as it turns out) a few Hollywood stars.
“Knowing that our product was specifically requested by the director says so much,” Michelle adds. “It speaks volumes about the quality and appeal of our saunas to know one was chosen for its premium and lavish design.”
Her friends and family certainly agree: “Whenever I tell people, they can’t believe famous actors were hanging out in my sauna!”
From Luxury to Lifestyle
Like many in the U.S., Michelle once thought of saunas as a luxury. But now, it’s part of her daily rhythm.
“Initially, I viewed saunas as a luxury item, but my perspective changed once I owned one. Like our European colleagues have always done, I’ve now integrated sauna use into my daily routine. It’s fantastic for body restoration, but also provides mind restoration. It feels like all the day’s stresses just disappear.”
That’s the true star power of a Thermory sauna—whether it’s on a Hollywood set or in your backyard.
Curtain Call
“The film gives you a good hug. It’s funny. It’s smart. It gives you things to think about,” says Keanu Reeves.
From movie prop to daily wellness retreat, this Thermory sauna has played both roles beautifully. And while we can’t promise Keanu will stop by your backyard, we can promise a sauna experience worthy of the spotlight. Catch our Hollywood debut as Good Fortune hits theaters on October 17th!
Ready to start your own ritual? Explore our sauna collections.
Read more about the making of the film at the Hollywood Reporter.
