After nearly a decade away from feature filmmaking, acclaimed director Gore Verbinski is making a powerful comeback with his latest project, Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die. Best known for visually striking films like Rango and the blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Verbinski returns with a story that taps directly into one of today’s most talked-about subjects: artificial intelligence.
Released by Briarcliff Entertainment, the film blends sharp storytelling with timely themes, marking an ambitious new chapter in the director’s career.
Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die– A Long Road to the Screen
The journey behind Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die has been years in the making. The concept originally began eight years ago when Matthew Robinson developed a 26-page pilot titled Don’t Trust Anyone Under 30. What started as a compact idea gradually evolved into a full-length feature as discussions around AI grew more urgent and relevant in everyday life.
As technology advanced and public concern about automation and artificial intelligence intensified, the filmmakers recognized the importance of bringing this story to audiences sooner rather than later.
Creative Team and Cast
Matthew Robinson not only created the original concept but also played a key role in shaping the script’s direction. Production company 3 Arts Entertainment helped refine the screenplay through several development sessions, ensuring the story stayed sharp and current.
Producers Erwin Stoff and Denise Chamian were instrumental in guiding the project from development to production.
Once Verbinski officially joined, the film quickly attracted an impressive cast. Academy Award winner Sam Rockwell leads the lineup, joined by Juno Temple, Haley Lu Richardson, Michael Peña, and Zazie Beetz. The ensemble adds depth and personality to a story built around complex and contemporary ideas.
Production Choices
With an estimated budget of $20 million, the film was shot in South Africa. The location provided cost-effective production benefits while doubling convincingly for California settings. Iconic backdrops, including a recreation of Norms diner, were carefully staged in Cape Town, allowing the film to maintain its authentic American atmosphere without inflating expenses.
Bold and Creative Marketing
Briarcliff Entertainment adopted an unconventional marketing strategy that matched the film’s daring tone. Drawing inspiration from imaginative and slightly surreal promotional styles, the campaign stood out from typical studio efforts.
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Some of the creative stunts included:
- Airborne messages flown above Silicon Valley
- Targeted giveaways for individuals affected by AI-related job disruptions
- A TikTok editing contest encouraging fans to reinterpret scenes from the film
The movie’s world premiere at Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas, generated early buzz and positioned the project as both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Box Office Expectations
As the film heads into theaters, expectations are high. Briarcliff Entertainment’s previous opening weekend record was set by Honest Thief, which earned $4.3 million. Industry observers are watching closely to see whether Verbinski’s return can surpass that milestone.
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A Timely Cinematic Statement
Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die arrives at a moment when artificial intelligence dominates headlines and reshapes industries. By blending adventure, humor, and social commentary, Verbinski’s latest film aims not just to entertain but to spark conversation.
With a strong creative team, a notable cast, and a subject matter rooted firmly in today’s technological landscape, this project represents a bold return for one of Hollywood’s most distinctive directors.