Gore Verbinski’s “Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die” Unveils AI Zombies and Time Travel

Director Gore Verbinski is set to release a new film titled Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die, blending themes of artificial intelligence and time travel. The film, co-written with Matthew Robinson, will hit theaters on February 13, 2026. Its trailer, which debuted recently, showcases a unique narrative featuring zombie-like teenagers enthralled by technology.

The film opens with a striking scene: a time-traveling character portrayed by Sam Rockwell enters a diner in Los Angeles to deliver a dire message reminiscent of iconic roles from Bruce Willis in “12 Monkeys” and Michael Biehn in “The Terminator.” Dressed in mismatched footwear and a raincoat, Rockwell’s character claims to hail from a “nightmare apocalypse” and seeks to recruit help to mend the timeline.

As the story unfolds, Rockwell’s group of unconventional volunteers, armed with gardening tools and sporting equipment, prepares for a chaotic night. The antagonistic force appears to be a new AI that captivates the younger generation, causing them to pursue their educators, played by Michael Peña and Zazie Beetz, in a zombie-like frenzy while clutching smartphones.

Unique Imagery and Themes

The trailer is rich with surreal visuals, including a pastel-themed children’s birthday party and a collection of unsettling animated toys reminiscent of those created by the villain Sid Phillips in “Toy Story.” Additionally, a giant horse that can crush a car underfoot adds to the film’s eccentric aesthetic.

“Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die” had its first public screening in September at Fantastic Fest, an annual film festival in Austin dedicated to genre cinema. Reviews have generally been positive, with particular praise for Rockwell’s performance and the film’s critical perspective on modern society. Critics have highlighted Verbinski and Robinson’s portrayal of a bleak future, reflecting a present where many have seemingly accepted a world influenced by Silicon Valley’s relentless pursuit of profit.

As anticipation builds for its release, “Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die” promises to be a thought-provoking blend of humor, horror, and social commentary, capturing the imagination of audiences with its innovative take on familiar tropes.