Gore Verbinski Unleashes a Wild Anti-AI Adventure with 'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die'

Picture this: you're just trying to enjoy a quiet meal at a Los Angeles diner when a disheveled man, looking like he's been through a real nightmare apocalypse, bursts in claiming to be from the future. He needs to recruit you and a few other bewildered patrons to save the world from a rogue AI. Sounds like a Tuesday, right? Well, that's just the beginning of Gore Verbinski's long-awaited return to the big screen with his new film, Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die.

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop on Verbinski's Epic Return

• Veteran director Gore Verbinski (Pirates of the Caribbean, Rango) is back after nine years with an original sci-fi dark comedy.
• Sam Rockwell stars as a time-traveler recruiting diner patrons to fight a rogue AI in a "wildly original" and "endlessly entertaining" adventure.
• The film, which critiques AI and social media, is packed with bizarre imagery and features a stellar ensemble cast, hitting theaters February 13, 2026.

Gore Verbinski's Triumphant Return to Filmmaking After a Nine-Year Hiatus

After nearly a decade since his last film, 2016's psychological horror A Cure for Wellness, director Gore Verbinski is stepping back into the director's chair with a project that's already generating serious buzz. Known for his eclectic filmography, from the groundbreaking horror of The Ring and the swashbuckling success of the first three Pirates of the Caribbean movies to the Oscar-winning animated Western Rango, Verbinski has proven his knack for creating unique cinematic experiences. While his career has seen its share of high-profile triumphs, there have been some bumps, notably the critically panned and box-office bomb The Lone Ranger in 2013.

Now, Verbinski is taking a different path with Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die, described as his first indie film. Tom Ortenberg, CEO of distributor Briarcliff Entertainment, raved about it, calling it "wildly original, endlessly entertaining, and unlike anything audiences have seen before." (Source: Ars Technica, "Gore Verbinski has racked up an impressive filmography...", Nov 12, 2025). This marks a significant shift from his usual big-budget blockbusters, yet early reviews suggest he hasn't lost his touch for making films feel spectacular, even on a smaller scale.

Sam Rockwell Leads a Quirky Ensemble Against a World-Ending Threat

The film kicks off with Sam Rockwell, ever the charismatic and watchable actor, as an unnamed "Man from the Future." He crashes into a Los Angeles diner, looking more like a vagrant than a savior, insisting he's a time traveler from an apocalyptic future. His mission? To recruit a ragtag group of ordinary Angelenos to join his war against a rogue artificial intelligence. Naturally, the diner patrons are a bit skeptical of this grubby prophet, who reassures them his apocalyptic look is "the height of f@ing fashion!" (Source: Ars Technica, "Gore Verbinski has racked up an impressive filmography...", Nov 12, 2025).

This unlikely team includes a fantastic ensemble cast. Haley Lu Richardson plays Ingrid, Michael Peña is Mark, Zazie Beetz portrays Janet, and Juno Temple rounds out the main recruits as Susan. Other cast members in undisclosed roles include Dino Fetscher, Anna Acton, Asim Chaudhury, Daniel Barnett, and Dominique Maher. The screenplay, penned by Matthew Robinson (known for The Invention of Lying and Love and Monsters), promises a darkly comedic and chaotic adventure.

The trailer alone teases some truly bizarre and memorable imagery: from a giant horse crunching a car under its hoof, creepy animated toys reminiscent of Sid's creations in Toy Story, and "zombie teens" mesmerized by AI and carrying smartphones, to a pastel kids' birthday party gone awry and even an indoor tornado. It’s clear this isn't your typical sci-fi flick; it’s going for something truly "bonkers" and visually enigmatic.

A Deep Dive into the Film's Anti-AI Stance and Social Commentary

At its heart, Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die isn't just a wild ride; it's a pointed commentary on the pervasive influence of artificial intelligence and social media in our lives. Rogue AI has become a common antagonist in Hollywood, from Mission Impossible - Dead Reckoning to Tron: Ares, but Verbinski's approach sounds uniquely "bonkers." He explores the anxiety around technology in a way that’s both hysterically funny and quite provocative, touching on not just AI but also social media and even the current school shooting crisis. (Source: But Why Tho, "Gore Verbinski Discusses...", Nov 12, 2025).

Verbinski sees social media as "the beginning of the erosion," a primary sickness that allows the AI threat to manifest. He believes that AI, in its early versions, has been "studying us and studying what we like and what we hate to keep us engaged." This "doom scrolling" aspect has hardwired our flaws into the AI's source code, leading to a future where people are despondent and glued to their VR headsets. The film essentially argues that social media is where we started not talking to each other, paving the way for AI to exploit our vulnerabilities.

"I think the fundamental origins of AI seem to have been focused on what’s your user profile, or how are we going to keep you engaged, or how are we going to know what you buy, what you think, how we’re studying humans and using language."

— Gore Verbinski (Source: But Why Tho, "Gore Verbinski Discusses...", Nov 12, 2025)

Making a Small Story Feel Monumentally Big

Despite being a relatively low-budget indie film, Verbinski has managed to infuse Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die with a spectacular, grand scope. He humorously notes that the entire film "cost the price of David Jones’ tentacles" from his Pirates of the Caribbean days, highlighting the significant contrast in budget. His inspiration for this approach came from films like Repo Man, which felt like it was made without permission, just "with what they had." (Source: But Why Tho, "Gore Verbinski Discusses...", Nov 12, 2025).

Verbinski describes the film's narrative as a "twisting taffy" – starting loose and real in the diner, akin to Dog Day Afternoon, and then twisting towards something as visually enigmatic and digital as Akira by the end. This analog-to-digital progression allows him to craft a story that feels expansive without a massive special effects budget. For instance, creating an authentic portrayal of a struggling artist whose AI-generated "assistant" accidentally publishes a distorted version of his work online, leading to public ridicule and a crisis of self-worth, demonstrates how technology, even when intended to help, can amplify flaws and create unintended, destructive consequences. This scenario echoes the film's exploration of AI's "hardwired flaws."

The Director's Honest Critique of Modern Visual Effects and CGI

A seasoned filmmaker like Verbinski, who has utilized extensive VFX in his blockbusters, has a critical perspective on the current state of visual effects. He points to the "Unreal gaming engine enter[ing] the visual effects landscape" as a significant "slip backwards," leading to a "gaming aesthetic entering the world of cinema." He argues this differs fundamentally from how light interacts with skin and reflects, creating an "uncanny valley" effect, especially in creature animation where speed often trumps meticulous hand-done work. (Source: But Why Tho, "Gore Verbinski Discusses...", Nov 12, 2025).

Verbinski believes that classic films, like those by Kubrick, still hold up because they used miniatures and paintings, not computer-generated imagery with a different aesthetic. While this approach might work for "heightened, unrealistic reality" in Marvel movies, it fails from a "strictly photo-real standpoint." For Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die, his team made a strict rule to keep "at least 50% of the frame photographic," using practical props as reference to keep the CG replacements honest. He also stresses that convincing VFX isn't just about lighting; it's about realistic motion – a helicopter, no matter how real it looks, will be perceived as fake if it "flies wrong." This commitment to tangible reality, even in a sci-fi comedy, underlines his dedication to quality and audience experience.

Navigating Ambiguity and an Untrustworthy Narrator

One of Verbinski's deliberate choices was to keep Sam Rockwell's character as an "untrustworthy narrator." When he first appears, audiences are meant to dismiss him as a delusional vagrant. The challenge, Verbinski notes, was to make an 11-page opening monologue convincing enough for viewers to embark on the ride, even without being "100% sure if he’s telling the truth." This ambiguity, like the enigmatic qualities of a film like Akira, keeps the audience "off balance in a fun way." (Source: But Why Tho, "Gore Verbinski Discusses...", Nov 12, 2025).

This ambiguity also leaves room for future storytelling. In an industry where everyone wants a franchise but rarely wants to "start off" one, Verbinski expressed enthusiasm for potentially exploring more of this world, especially since Rockwell's character is on his "hundred and eighteenth journey" by the film's end. This hints at a larger universe and unanswered questions that could be explored further, sidestepping the "algorithmic enslavement" of relying on existing IP.

Early Festival Buzz and a Look at Potential Limitations

Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die made its world premiere as a secret screening at Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas, in September 2025, followed by a showing at Beyond Fest. Early festival reviews have been largely positive, praising Rockwell's performance and Verbinski and Robinson's "bleak view not just of the future, but of a present where Americans have already resigned themselves to a violent world dominated by Silicon Valley greed." (Source: Polygon, "Rogue AI has become one of the dominant Hollywood villains...", Nov 12, 2025). Some early word even gave it an impressive 8 out of 10. (Source: /Film, "Sam Rockwell Fights A Sci-Fi Apocalypse...", Nov 12, 2025).

However, it's always wise to take early reactions with "a grain of salt," as the Playlist noted, reminding us that festival screenings, while exciting, are not always indicative of broader critical reception. Another potential limitation, raised by io9, is Verbinski's recent track record. While his early career included many hits, some wonder if he "still got his fastball" after his last two films, The Lone Ranger and A Cure for Wellness, which didn't achieve the same critical or commercial success as his earlier works. The anticipation, however, is palpable, with many hoping this film marks a true return to form.

No AI in Our Anti-AI Film: A Commitment to Authenticity

Interestingly, despite the film's strong anti-AI message, Verbinski and his team made a deliberate choice not to use any AI in the movie's production, even for creating the "AI slop" depicted on screen. This decision, made two years prior during production, was partly due to the nascent state of AI tools at the time, but also a strict legal requirement. The film's creators were concerned about potential copyright issues, fearing that AI-generated content might unknowingly incorporate protected images (like "Mickey Mouse’s ear").

Instead, they licensed content from human animators and aimed to "future-proof" their animations, creating something that would resemble what AI could achieve soon, without actually using it. This commitment aligns perfectly with the film's core message, demonstrating an authentic, human-first approach to a story about the dangers of unchecked artificial intelligence. It's a fascinating trade-off: using traditional methods to depict a future dominated by advanced, often problematic, technology.

Ready for the Apocalypse? What You Need to Know

Gore Verbinski's Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die is shaping up to be a unique cinematic event, blending dark comedy, sci-fi chaos, and sharp social commentary. It's a film that resonates with contemporary anxieties about technology while offering an entertaining, unpredictable ride, showcasing Verbinski's vision and Sam Rockwell's undeniable talent.

• Mark Your Calendars: The film is set to hit theaters on February 13, 2026. (Note: While some initial reports mentioned a January 30, 2026 release, multiple sources confirm the date was moved back to February 13, 2026).
• Expect the Unexpected: Get ready for an unhinged, visually wild adventure that challenges perceptions of AI, social media, and reality itself.
• Star Power: The ensemble cast, led by Sam Rockwell, ensures a captivating and lively viewing experience.
• A Director's Vision: See Verbinski's return to form with a film that feels both intimate and expansive, showcasing his distinctive directorial style and critical views on modern filmmaking.

Frequently Asked Questions About 'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die'

When does 'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die' come out? The film is scheduled for release in theaters on February 13, 2026. Who is directing 'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die'? The film is directed by Gore Verbinski, known for Pirates of the Caribbean and Rango. Who stars in 'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die'? The stellar cast includes Sam Rockwell, Haley Lu Richardson, Michael Peña, Zazie Beetz, and Juno Temple. What is the film's genre? It's described as an absurdist sci-fi dark comedy with action elements.

Sources:

• Ars Technica, "Gore Verbinski has racked up an impressive filmography...", Jennifer Ouellette, Nov 12, 2025.
• Polygon, "Rogue AI has become one of the dominant Hollywood villains...", Nov 12, 2025.
• IndieWire, "'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die’ Teaser: Gore Verbinski’s First Film in Nine Years Is a Tongue-in-Cheek Sci-Fi Adventure", Wilson Chapman, Nov 12, 2025.
• /Film, "Sam Rockwell Fights A Sci-Fi Apocalypse In Gore Verbinski's Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die Trailer", BJ Colangelo, Nov 12, 2025.
• io9, "Gore Verbinski’s New Movie Looks Like the Wildest Thing Ever", Germain Lussier, Nov 12, 2025.
• FirstShowing, "Must Watch Teaser for 'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die' Sci-Fi A.I. Film", Alex Billington, Nov 12, 2025.
• But Why Tho, "Gore Verbinski Discusses ‘Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die’ and Why CGI No Longer Looks Good", Rafael Motamayor, Nov 12, 2025.
• Daily Dead, "Watch the Teaser Trailer for Gore Verbinski’s GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DON’T DIE", Jonathan James, Nov 12, 2025.
• Collider, "Gore Verbinski's 'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die' Image Shows Sam Rockwell Recruiting for the Apocalypse [Exclusive]", Nov 12, 2025.
• Playlist, "Gore Verbinski’s ‘Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die!’ Starring Sam Rockwell Gets First Trailer & January 2026 Release Date", Nov 12, 2025.