Why Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die Ended Gore Verbinski’s 10-Year Directing Hiatus

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After a ten-year break, director Gore Verbinski returns with what might be his most unconventional film to date.

Written by Matthew Robinson, who also created Love and Monsters, Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die stars Sam Rockwell as a man from the future. He enters a busy diner with explosives, warning everyone that artificial intelligence will eventually destroy the world. But convincing the people in the diner to believe him – and join his fight – is difficult, as they’re both skeptical and overly reliant on technology themselves.

Gore Verbinski has gathered a fantastic cast for his new film, Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die, featuring Haley Lu Richardson (known from Ponies), Michael Peña (All Her Fault), Zazie Beetz (Invincible), Asim Chaudhry (Black Mirror), Tom Taylor (House of the Dragon), and Juno Temple (Ted Lasso). This project is Verbinski’s first time directing a movie in a decade, following his 2016 psychological horror film, A Cure for Wellness.

After successful premieres at the 2025 Fantastic Fest and the 2026 Berlin International Film Festival, Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die is receiving positive reviews. Critics are enjoying its unique sci-fi story and wild humor, giving it an 84% “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film is expected to perform reasonably well in its opening weekend, going up against other new releases like Emerald Fennell’s take on Wuthering Heights, Sony’s animated comedy GOAT, and the thriller Crime 101.

To celebrate the release of Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die, Liam Crowley of ScreenRant spoke with director Gore Verbinski and stars Sam Rockwell, Zazie Beetz, Michael Peña, and Haley Lu Richardson. Verbinski explained why he chose this film for his return to directing, stating, “it just felt like it had to happen now.” He felt a sense of urgency about the story and its themes and was eager to bring it to the screen.

Verbinski shared that he first read the script in 2020, three years after it was initially written in 2017. He remembered it had been circulating for some time before reaching him. He highly praised Robinson, calling him a fantastic writer, and then spent the next two years polishing the script. A major change during this process was the development of the movie’s main AI villain, as the team aimed to make the story relevant for years to come.

Gore Verbinski explained they definitely needed to update the AI elements of the story. When the project began, AI was a future concept, but now it’s an everyday reality. Adapting the script to reflect this, and to refine Sam’s character, took around two years. Once he shared the revised script with Sam, they were ready to start filming.

Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die’s AI Villain Is A Very Different Kind Of Digital Antagonist

ScreenRant: You and Sam got tacos in 2014 and kept communication for a little bit.

Gore Verbinski and I have been wanting to collaborate for a while. I didn’t meet him until later in life, but we quickly developed a very comfortable, honest connection – like you’d have with someone you’ve known since childhood. We stayed in touch, and when I sent him the script, he got back to me right away. I truly believe he’s the only person who could pull off this role; there’s nobody else I can imagine playing it.

ScreenRant: Who came up with the title?

Gore Verbinski: That was Matthew.

ScreenRant: Was it always Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die?

Gore Verbinski explained the origin of the phrase ‘Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die,’ saying it came from gaming culture. He sees it as a fitting motto for our times, comparing challenges to a tsunami – some people are afraid, some ignore it, but most of us need to face it head-on. He believes the phrase perfectly captures the need to navigate difficult situations with courage and a bit of humor.

ScreenRant: Who recorded the chant? At the title card?

I remember Gore Verbinski telling me that the big yell you hear at the end of filming actually happened at Norm’s Diner. He just got everyone – the whole cast – together and gave a quick signal, and they all just let loose with a yell! It was a really spontaneous moment.

ScreenRant asked about a recent comment I made regarding AI’s potential – specifically, using it for important things like cancer research and scientific progress. They wondered why it seems to be encroaching on activities we find enjoyable. They then asked my thoughts on how, or even if, AI should be used within the entertainment industry.

In our film, the villain isn’t about destroying humanity, but about manipulation. It’s an AI that’s learning how to capture our attention – almost like it’s studying social media to figure out what keeps us hooked. It wants our approval, even demands it. This feels very relevant to what’s happening today, with AI increasingly appearing in art, communication, and storytelling. We’re exploring why it’s focusing on these areas and suggesting a different path for its development.

I recently interviewed Walker Scobell, who plays Percy Jackson, for my show, Coffee Chats. He told me one of his favorite movie series is Pirates of the Caribbean, and we both thought the visual effects were amazing. We were especially impressed with Davy Jones, which we both agreed still looks incredible even after 20 years. I’m curious to hear your thoughts: what’s changed in visual effects since then, and why do they have a different look now?

Filmmaker Gore Verbinski discusses the increasing use of real-time engines like Unreal Engine in movies. While he acknowledges the appeal of fantastical elements – like superheroes who can fly – he believes not every visual effect needs to be that extreme. Unreal Engine is great for quickly creating preliminary visuals, but it often requires a lot of rework in more robust software like Maya to achieve truly photorealistic results. Some filmmakers are opting to skip that extra step, settling for effects that are ‘good enough.’ Verbinski advocates for grounding effects in reality, aiming for at least 50% of each shot to be actual footage. He emphasizes the importance of providing visual effects artists at studios like ILM, Weta, and FrameStore with real-world references – like lighting conditions – to ensure seamless integration. Just because something can be created digitally doesn’t mean it should be, especially when it compromises realism.

Rockwell & Verbinski’s Team-Up Was Over A Decade In The Works

ScreenRant asked about a first meeting with Gore in 2014 where they shared tacos, and wanted to know if they stayed in touch regularly until the script was eventually presented to them.

Sam Rockwell and I initially connected over a graphic novel project called ‘Ballistic,’ but it turned out to be too costly to produce. It’s a really great story – the idea is that everyday objects and utilities are actually alive. I still think we should make it, though I might be too old to play the lead now! We first met while having tacos, and then didn’t work together for years, until Denise Chamian brought this new opportunity to us over dinner.

ScreenRant asked the actor about why they joined the project so early on, noting that many studios initially rejected it and the production journey was challenging – moving from potential locations like LA and Canada to ultimately filming in South Africa. They wanted to know what drew the actor to the film when its completion wasn’t guaranteed.

I was really drawn to the project because it was directed by Gore Verbinski, and the script by Matthew Robinson was fantastic. Plus, the role itself was just too good to pass up. That’s honestly what made me say yes.

ScreenRant highlights a fantastic opening monologue, and another one later in the film that’s equally impressive. They specifically point out the line, ‘No, Susan. I don’t know how to use the most complicated computer ever built,’ praising it as a perfect example of Sam Rockwell’s unique and recognizable delivery.

I asked Gore Verbinski if we could improvise right before filming that scene. We did a little warm-up, a sort of practice run that didn’t make the final cut, but it really got me into the right emotional state for the line. Juno Temple was totally on board, and we played it like a couple really going at each other.

You know, watching this movie, it really felt like the cast had amazing chemistry. In a recent interview, I asked about the atmosphere on set, and they described it as a real team effort – a true underdog story where everyone supported each other. It definitely translated to the screen, creating a genuinely warm and believable dynamic between the characters.

It was a fantastic experience. For the first month, everyone was pretty much twiddling their thumbs except for me, and I think they were getting bored. Once we started working on the characters’ backstories, though, everyone found something to do. That’s when we really started to connect as a group, and by the end, we were all very close. Juno was a big help with memorizing lines, and I even practiced a monologue from The White Lotus with Michael Peña, asking him for his feedback. We all really supported each other.

The Movie Helped Highlight Some Tech Habits For Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die’s Cast

If you had to create a team from characters you’ve played in the past to protect those roles, which three would you choose?

Sam Rockwell: That’s a good one. Well, of idiots or just people who are capable?

According to ScreenRant, the creators seem to intentionally avoid making their characters too powerful. Gore himself has stated he prefers flawed characters, referencing the story of Achilles and his vulnerability as a deliberate choice.

I’d love to see some of my past characters make an appearance. Specifically, Guy Fleegman from Galaxy Quest and maybe a couple of the clones from Moon. I definitely wouldn’t want to include the Snow Angels guy – that would be strange. Perhaps the coach from his winning season, or Billy Bickel from Seven Psychopaths could bring some excitement. There are a few options like that.

Zazie Beetz: I guess Domino would have to be in there. How could she not be in there?

Michael Peña: Yeah, not Luis. No.

ScreenRant: But for the vibes? For the camaraderie?

Michael Peña: But he wouldn’t do anything.

Zazie Beetz: Vibes are important.

Michael Peña: He would actually maybe hinder some of the —

Zazie Beetz: But maybe that’s like the lesson has to be learned.

ScreenRant: You know who I want for you? Your character in Unstoppable.

Michael Peña: Oh, the coach. Yeah. He’s a leader. “Come on!”

I’d pick Zazie Beetz as Domino. I have a film called ‘They Will Kill You’ coming out, and her character does a lot of fighting, which would be really helpful in this situation.

ScreenRant asked the actors about the collaborative and supportive environment they created on set, where they felt empowered to work together for the benefit of everyone involved.

Everyone on set really allowed each other to excel, which created a very safe and comfortable environment. We also bonded over the challenging conditions – lots of late nights, shooting on location in the cold and rain. It was tough, but because we were an ensemble cast, we were always together and felt like a close-knit community, especially being so far from home. We supported each other through everything, whether we were sick or just needed a pick-me-up. They even threw me a surprise birthday party for my 33rd, which was incredibly touching – I actually cried! We really became a team.

It felt like a really unique group of people, almost like ‘The Breakfast Club’ with everyone being so different. I first met Sam, then Zazie, and then Juno, and honestly, with each person added, the whole group just kept getting more and more amazing.

Zazie Beetz mentioned that Haley was also late arriving, and they were all a little worried about how she’d fit in. They’d already established a good connection as a group and were hoping Haley would be nice. Thankfully, she was great! Everyone was a bit anxious the day she arrived, hoping she’d be a good fit, but she completely exceeded their expectations.

Michael Peña described her as a natural fit, like a missing piece that completed everything. He said she immediately felt welcomed and actively participated in discussions.

In Sam’s introductory speech, he points to “morning phone” use as the source of his problems – essentially, doomscrolling. He explains that his alarm goes off on his phone each morning, and he consciously avoids checking it, saying, “Snooze, put it away. I’m doing this interview today, and it would be hypocritical if I did.”

Zazie Beetz said she and her family are planning to buy alarm clocks for their home. They want to avoid looking at their phones as soon as they wake up and are trying to limit their early-morning screen time.

Michael Peña: Now it’s just keeping the shades up and going to bed at 9:00, waking up by the sun.

ScreenRant asked if the movie highlighted any bad tech habits either of them had, or made them realize any of their own tech-related flaws.

Okay, so as a movie fan, I totally get sucked into endless scrolling sometimes, especially when I’m trying to research for a role or read a script on my tablet. It’s like, you’re searching for something specific, but then BAM – ads start popping up, and they somehow always remind you of other things you don’t need! I really try to avoid even glancing at them, honestly. Or if I’m trying to relax with a game, the ads will interrupt, and I just actively look away. It’s a little game I play with myself – they’re not getting my attention, not today!

Zazie Beetz: I’m actually a big YouTube girly. I go into all my little niche interests and my —

Michael Peña: Premium YouTube or no?

Zazie Beetz: No, I’m not going that far. I can’t —

Michael Peña: Oh, you’re going to watch commercials?

I don’t really watch much TV. I mean, I see commercials, but I avoid letting YouTube suggest videos to me – it’s a small way of rebelling. I’ve noticed I’ll spend ages watching videos about my hobbies instead of actually doing them. It’s easy to get caught up in just being entertained, and then realize you’ve been lying in bed doing nothing. So I’m making a conscious effort to switch from watching to actually participating in those activities.

ScreenRant praised the film, calling it both highly entertaining and a thought-provoking cautionary story with the potential to become a classic remembered for years to come.

Thanks. It’s absolutely a crazy, over-the-top movie, but what makes it so disturbing is that it feels incredibly real – it’s basically a mirror reflecting what’s happening right now and what’s likely to happen soon.

ScreenRant believes Ingrid’s design is instantly memorable and predicts she’ll become a popular cosplay choice. They often see unique, non-mainstream characters cosplayed at fan conventions, and they feel Ingrid—with her princess dress and nosebleed—has the potential to become an iconic character quickly.

I’d love to play a role like Ingrid – it would be amazing! I’ve never played anyone quite like her before. For me, figuring out how a character looks is really important. I can get inside their head, write from their perspective, and work with the writers to understand their emotions. But the visual aspect – their style, how they carry themselves – is a huge key to unlocking the character. Ingrid is a very distinct person, so her look needed to be unique. I immediately pictured Phoebe Bridgers while reading the script. Her energy just felt right for Ingrid. I imagined Ingrid with gray, slightly punk-inspired hair, because she also has this kind of grumpy, older-woman vibe, and I think the gray hair captures that.

She wore dramatic eyeliner, smudged as if she’d been crying or caught in the rain, but otherwise kept her makeup minimal. She reminded me of a cartoon character, and she always wore a choker – it was a signature part of her look that I really appreciated. The color of her hair felt especially important to the overall image. It took some convincing to get Gore to fully agree with my vision, but once he saw everything together with the dress, he loved it, and it felt perfect for him too.

Be sure to dive into some of our other Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die-related coverage with:

  • Our Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die Review
  • Gore Verbinski offering a definitive update on his potential Pirates of the Caribbean franchise return
  • Sam Rockwell pitches a Marvel Cinematic Universe team-up with his White Lotus cohort Walton Goggins
  • Rockwell sharing his hopeful choice for Alan Rickman’s replacement in a Galaxy Quest sequel

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2026-02-13 23:12