‘Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die’ Marks Gore Verbinski’s Big Return

After nearly ten years away from directing, filmmaker Gore Verbinski has returned with a new science fiction film titled Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die. The movie premiered at the 2025 Fantastic Fest, earning strong early reactions from both audiences and critics. Now, after broader press screenings, response to Verbinski’s latest work suggests the filmmaker may have regained his creative momentum.

Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die stars Sam Rockwell, whose wild and unpredictable performance is drawing special attention. The film blends comedy, action, and time-travel themes while tackling the rise of Artificial Intelligence. On X, Film Threat’s Chris Gore called it “the best comedy of the year” and “the most culturally significant sci-fi action comedy ever made.” He also told viewers not to miss it. The movie’s focus on AI and human survival arrives at a time when the entertainment world is deeply divided over how far technology should go in replacing human talent.

I have seen the best comedy of the year. Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die is the most culturally significant sci-fi action comedy ever made. Both hilarious and frightening — it’s like having the entire internet suddenly jacked into your brain. Do not miss it. pic.twitter.com/24eWmQ0gzB

— Chris Gore (@ThatChrisGore) January 15, 2026

Critics say Verbinski’s distinct visual style remains intact despite a smaller budget than his earlier blockbusters. The director, best known for Pirates of the Caribbean, The Lone Ranger, and the psychological thriller A Cure for Wellness, appears to have returned with a sharper edge. While A Cure for Wellness earned only managed a 42% score on Rotten Tomatoes, Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die currently holds a 94% Rotten Tomatoes score from 18 critics. 

The film’s anti-AI message feels timely, tapping into fears that mirror real tech debates across the culture. One viewer summed it up online: “It’s a time-traveling, anti-AI apocalypse film starring Sam Rockwell going full bonkers mode — you don’t ask questions.” The humor lands, but the underlying concern is clear. Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die opens in select theaters Jan. 30 and rolls out nationwide Feb. 13.

The buzz around it hints at more than just a comeback. This could mark the start of a new phase in Verbinski’s unpredictable career.

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