Gore Verbinski's 'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die' Teaser Promises a Wild, AI-Fueled Ride

After a nine-year hiatus, acclaimed director Gore Verbinski is back with "Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die," a tongue-in-cheek sci-fi adventure starring Sam Rockwell as a man from the future trying to save us all from rogue AI. Get ready for an ensemble comedy that looks absolutely bonkers.

TL;DR

• Gore Verbinski, director of "Pirates of the Caribbean" and "Rango," returns after nine years with a new sci-fi film.
• "Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die" stars Sam Rockwell as a time-traveler recruiting unlikely heroes to fight rogue AI.
• The film, which premiered to rave reviews at Fantastic Fest, hits theaters on February 13, 2026.

A Wild Ride Begins: A Man, a Diner, and an Apocalyptic Warning

Imagine this: You're just trying to enjoy your morning coffee and a greasy spoon breakfast in a Los Angeles diner. Suddenly, a disheveled, wild-eyed man bursts in, looking like he's just survived an actual apocalypse, and starts shouting about saving the world. He's claiming to be from a far-flung future, one where artificial intelligence has run rampant and humanity is on the brink of ruin. Sounds like a Tuesday in LA, right? But this isn't your average Tuesday; this is the premise for Gore Verbinski’s long-awaited return to the director's chair, "Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die."

This film marks Verbinski's first feature since 2016's "A Cure for Wellness," ending a nine-year wait for fans eager to see what the visionary behind "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" and "Rango" would do next. And if the recently released teaser from Briarcliff Entertainment is any indication, he’s coming back with a bang, delivering a surreal, darkly funny, and deeply relevant sci-fi adventure. The initial release date was set for January 30, 2026, but it has since been moved back a few weeks to February 13, 2026. (Source: 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," November 12, 2025).

Assembling a Ragtag Team to Save Humanity from AI Overlords

At the heart of this chaotic tale is Oscar winner Sam Rockwell, who portrays the unnamed "Man from the Future." He's not looking for money or fame; he's looking for recruits, convinced that the motley crew of diner patrons he's taken hostage is the precise combination of individuals needed to embark on a one-night, six-block quest to stop an all-consuming rogue AI from destroying everything. His appearance, as he explains to the dubious crowd, is simply "the height of f@ing fashion" in his nightmare apocalypse, according to an excerpt from the trailer (Source: Ars Technica, "Director Gore Verbinski has racked up an impressive filmography over the years," November 12, 2025).

The ensemble cast joining Rockwell is as compelling as the premise itself. It includes Haley Lu Richardson as Ingrid, Michael Peña as Mark, Zazie Beetz as Janet, and Juno Temple as Susan. Additional roles are filled by Asim Chandhry, Tom Taylor, Dino Fetscher, Anna Acton, Daniel Barnett, and Dominique Maher. This lineup promises a dynamic interplay of personalities as they grapple with the gravity of their unexpected mission.

Exploring the Timely and Terrifying Reality of Artificial Intelligence

The film isn't just about explosions and comedic chaos; it dives deep into modern-day cultural commentary, particularly concerning the increasing power and influence of artificial intelligence. The apocalypse Verbinski depicts is less about traditional robots and more about the insidious mesmerization of society, specifically teens, who appear to be under a zombie-like trance, glued to their smartphones. This chilling imagery reflects a bleak view of a present where many have already resigned themselves to a world dominated by technology and Silicon Valley greed.

This theme resonates strongly with real-world anxieties. For instance, in Ireland, authorities recently had to warn against viral TikTok pranks featuring AI-generated photos of people "breaking in" and sleeping in homes, causing genuine alarm and wasting emergency resources. Later, AI-generated deepfake videos falsely depicting a presidential candidate quitting amassed over 160,000 views, showcasing the immediate and concerning impact of AI misuse in our daily lives. "Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die" taps directly into these very real, very current fears, making its "tongue-in-cheek" approach all the more potent.

Tom Ortenberg, CEO of distributor Briarcliff Entertainment, praised the film, stating it's "wildly original, endlessly entertaining, and unlike anything audiences have seen before."

— Ars Technica, November 12, 2025

Verbinski's Return: From Swashbuckling Pirates to Surreal Sci-Fi

Gore Verbinski has carved out a unique niche in Hollywood with his diverse filmography. He made his feature directorial debut with "Mouse Hunt" in 1997, quickly rising to prominence with the successful American remake of "The Ring" in 2002, a film lauded for perfecting the Asian horror remake concept. Of course, his biggest commercial successes came with the first three "Pirates of the Caribbean" films, which captivated audiences worldwide. In 2011, he earned an Oscar nomination for his critically acclaimed animated Western, "Rango."

However, Verbinski's career hasn't been without its trade-offs. His 2013 adaptation of "The Lone Ranger" was both critically panned and a significant box office bomb, demonstrating that even a visionary director can stumble. His last film before this hiatus was the psychological horror "A Cure for Wellness" in 2016, which, while visually striking, didn't quite capture widespread critical or commercial success. This mixed bag leads to a natural question: Can Verbinski truly deliver another "winner" after a long break and a few missteps?

Early festival reactions strongly suggest he can. The film premiered at the 2025 Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas, this past September to overwhelmingly positive reviews. Critics have hailed it as a "surreal cyberpunk masterwork" (Source: MovieWeb, "What Are Reviews Saying About 'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die'?", November 12, 2025) and "as entertaining as it is profound" (Source: GeekTyrant, "Sam Rockwell Battles Rogue A.I. in Gore Verbinski’s Bonkers Sci-Fi Film GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DON'T DIE," November 12, 2025). The film currently boasts an impressive 94% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 16 reviews, the highest score of Verbinski’s career so far (Source: MovieWeb, "What Are Reviews Saying About 'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die'?", November 12, 2025).

Addressing Expectations and the "Everything Everywhere All at Once" Comparison

A common counterpoint to the film's "wildly original" claims is that time travel and rogue AI aren't exactly new concepts in science fiction. How can "Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die" stand out in a crowded genre? The answer, according to early critical reception, lies in its unique blend of absurdist humor, dark commentary, and truly bizarre, almost hallucinatory visuals. The teaser alone hints at a giant horse crushing a car, creepy animated toys straight out of a nightmare, and an indoor tornado – elements that promise a visually inventive and unpredictable narrative.

One reviewer went so far as to compare the film's intricate imagination to the Oscar-winning "Everything Everywhere All at Once," suggesting it takes a "virtuoso of his caliber to execute" such a vision (Source: MovieWeb, "What Are Reviews Saying About 'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die'?", November 12, 2025). This comparison isn't made lightly and speaks volumes about the film's potential to transcend typical genre boundaries, offering a fresh, chaotic, and emotionally resonant experience. It’s not just what happens, but how Verbinski spins it all together that makes it feel entirely new.

With a runtime of 134 minutes and an R rating, "Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die" is clearly not pulling any punches, promising a mature, expansive, and no doubt intense cinematic journey. Writer Matthew Robinson, known for "The Invention of Lying" and "Love and Monsters," pens the script, indicating a solid foundation for the film's satirical and adventurous elements.

Practical Takeaways for Moviegoers

• Mark Your Calendars: Clear your schedule for February 13, 2026, when "Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die" officially hits theaters.
• Prepare for the Unexpected: This isn't your average sci-fi film. Expect a blend of dark comedy, action, and surreal visuals that will keep you guessing.
• A Director's Triumphant Return: Fans of Gore Verbinski's unique style, particularly his work on "Pirates" and "Rango," should be excited for his comeback.
• Star Power Delivers: Sam Rockwell's charismatic performance is already drawing praise, so prepare for another captivating turn from the Oscar winner.
• Timely Commentary: The film offers biting social commentary on AI and technology, making it a relevant watch for our current digital age.

FAQ: All Your Burning Questions About This Sci-Fi Adventure Answered When does "Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die" release? The film is scheduled to be released in theaters on February 13, 2026. What is the film's rating and runtime? "Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die" is rated R and has a runtime of 134 minutes. Who are the main stars in "Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die"? The film stars Sam Rockwell, Haley Lu Richardson, Michael Peña, Zazie Beetz, Asim Chandhry, Tom Taylor, and Juno Temple. What is "Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die" about? It follows a man from an apocalyptic future (Sam Rockwell) who takes a diner hostage to recruit a diverse group of strangers to help him stop a rogue artificial intelligence from destroying the world. Sources

• 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," November 12, 2025. URL: (Not provided, but article content synthesized)
• Ars Technica, "Director Gore Verbinski has racked up an impressive filmography over the years," November 12, 2025. URL: (Not provided, but article content synthesized)
• GeekTyrant, "Sam Rockwell Battles Rogue A.I. in Gore Verbinski’s Bonkers Sci-Fi Film GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DON'T DIE," November 12, 2025. URL: (Not provided, but article content synthesized)
• MovieWeb, "What Are Reviews Saying About 'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die'?", November 12, 2025. URL: (Not provided, but article content synthesized)
• Daily Dead, "Watch the Teaser Trailer for Gore Verbinski’s GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DON’T DIE," November 12, 2025. URL: (Not provided, but article content synthesized)
• Extra.ie, "WATCH: Trailer released for film warning about dangers of AI," November 13, 2025. URL: (Not provided, but article content synthesized)