Gore Verbinski Returns to Indie Filmmaking with AI Comedy 'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die'

The blockbuster director pivots to indie filmmaking for a Berlin-premiering sci-fi comedy about artificial intelligence, creative survival and why 'women will save the world.'

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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After a decade away from directing big-budget blockbusters like the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' franchise, director Gore Verbinski is making his return to the big screen with the indie sci-fi comedy 'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die.' The film, starring Sam Rockwell as 'The Man From the Future,' follows a group of diner patrons who are recruited to help save the world from an impending AI apocalypse. Verbinski talks about his decision to take on this ambitious project, the challenges of portraying the evolving threat of AI, and his belief that women will ultimately save the world.

Why it matters

Verbinski's pivot to indie filmmaking with an original, genre-blending story about the perils and promises of artificial intelligence comes at a time when the technology is rapidly advancing and becoming increasingly intertwined with the movie industry. The film's exploration of these themes, as well as Verbinski's commentary on the role of women in shaping the future, make it a timely and thought-provoking entry in the sci-fi comedy genre.

The details

In 'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die,' Sam Rockwell plays 'The Man From the Future' who walks into a Los Angeles diner one night and convinces the patrons to join him on a journey to save the world from an impending AI apocalypse. Verbinski and screenwriter Matthew Robinson worked to ensure the film's portrayal of AI remained current and relevant, even as the technology evolved rapidly during the film's development from 2020 to 2022. The director also aimed to subvert traditional gender roles, with the male characters appearing scared and the women taking on the heavy lifting to save the world.

  • Verbinski started developing the film in 2020.
  • Principal photography took place in 2023.
  • The film is set to have its European premiere at the Berlin Film Festival in February 2026.
  • The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on February 13, 2026.

The players

Gore Verbinski

The director of the film 'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die' and known for blockbusters like the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' franchise.

Sam Rockwell

The actor who plays 'The Man From the Future' in 'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die.'

Matthew Robinson

The screenwriter of 'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die.'

Constantine

The production company behind 'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die.'

Briarcliff Entertainment

The production company behind 'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die.'

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What they’re saying

“When you look at this man (Sam Rockwell) coming into Norms, claiming to be from the future, looking like he might have crawled out of a dumpster — that could happen at Norms tomorrow. And yet by the end of that monologue, he's convincing the patrons to come with him.”

— Gore Verbinski, Director (The Hollywood Reporter)

“I would say fuck yes. And I think my mom would agree.”

— Gore Verbinski, Director (The Hollywood Reporter)

What’s next

The film is set to have its European premiere at the Berlin Film Festival in February 2026 before its theatrical release on February 13, 2026.

The takeaway

Verbinski's return to indie filmmaking with 'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die' showcases his ability to tackle timely and thought-provoking themes around artificial intelligence, while also subverting traditional gender roles and offering a unique perspective on the future of humanity.