The diner was quiet. Too quiet. A man bursts through the door, claiming he’s from the future, and suddenly every coffee cup, every fry, every idle conversation is swept into a plan bigger than anyone could imagine. Welcome to the world of Good Luck Have Fun Don’t Die, where time travel collides with AI mayhem, and no one gets to leave the table unscathed.
From the first frame, this isn’t your average sci-fi comedy. It’s audacious, fast, and chaotic, a story that keeps you off-balance while exploring the absurdities of the modern technological landscape. Critics are calling it Verbinski at his most unhinged — visually stunning, narratively chaotic, and completely unafraid of chaos.
Good Luck Have Fun Don’t Die Release Date and Who’s Releasing It
Mark your calendars: the Good Luck Have Fun Don’t Die release date in the United States is February 13, 2026, courtesy of Briarcliff Entertainment, following a world premiere at Fantastic Fest on September 24, 2025. Internationally, the film will make its out-of-competition premiere at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival in February 2026.
This is a science fiction action-adventure comedy with a sharp satirical bite, brought to life by a powerhouse team:
- Director: Gore Verbinski (Pirates of the Caribbean, The Ring)
- Writer: Matthew Robinson (Love and Monsters, The Invention of Lying)
- Producers: Gore Verbinski, Robert Kulzer, Erwin Stoff, Oly Obst, Denise Chamian
The release strategy is carefully designed to build hype: festival premieres, international buzz at Berlinale, and then the U.S. rollout on February 13. Tickets are already generating attention, including a unique giveaway initiative from Briarcliff Entertainment for 2,000 viewers directly impacted by AI-driven job loss — a clever tie-in to the film’s themes.
The Premise: Diner Patrons, Time Travel, and Rogue AI
Good Luck Have Fun Don’t Die centers on Sam Rockwell as a man from the future who arrives at a Los Angeles diner, not just for coffee, but to recruit patrons in a desperate bid to stop a rogue artificial intelligence threatening the world.
He doesn’t ask nicely. He doesn’t negotiate. He throws these unsuspecting people into a high-stakes, time-bending adventure, and the result is pure cinematic tension wrapped in satirical absurdity.
- Haley Lu Richardson plays Ingrid, a diner patron caught between disbelief and obligation.
- Michael Peña is Mark, reluctantly drawn into the chaos.
- Zazie Beetz and Asim Chaudhry bring humor and sharp commentary to the ensemble, while Juno Temple rounds out the unpredictable cast.
At 134 minutes, the film blends science fiction action, comedy, and social commentary — a fast-paced ride punctuated with Verbinski’s signature visual flair and Craig Wood’s precise editing.
Behind the Scenes: Crafting a Future That Feels Dangerous
Filming began in April 2024 in Cape Town, with cinematographer James Whitaker capturing a retro-futuristic Los Angeles that feels both familiar and destabilized.
The score, composed by Geoff Zanelli, marks his first primary collaboration with Verbinski, bringing a tension-filled soundtrack that pushes the film from comedy to suspense in a heartbeat. Zanelli’s previous work on Pirates of the Caribbean sequels demonstrates his knack for balancing action with thematic depth, a perfect fit for this chaotic story.
Producers aimed for a cast dynamic that feels like a pressure cooker: ordinary people forced to confront extraordinary events, making each choice feel immediate and dangerous.
Fan Reactions: Anticipation and Speculation
Buzz around the film is already heating up online:
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Others are drawn to the sheer absurdity of the premise:
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Then there’s the AI tie-in: Briarcliff’s giveaway for people impacted by artificial intelligence has fans speculating whether the film will lean more into satire, social commentary, or pure sci-fi spectacle. Online communities are abuzz with theories, casting predictions, and debates over how far the narrative will push its dystopian humor.
It’s a mix of anticipation, excitement, and just a little trepidation — the perfect storm for a Verbinski project.
Watch the Official Trailer
The trailer is chaotic and deliberate, offering glimpses of time-travel paradoxes, diner-hostage antics, and an AI antagonist that feels like it’s watching you as much as the characters.
Watch it here:
It doesn’t spell out everything, but it perfectly captures the manic energy and absurd stakes of the film.
Final Thoughts: A High-Stakes Satire You Can’t Ignore
Good Luck Have Fun Don’t Die isn’t just a film. It’s a provocation. With its February 13, 2026 U.S. release, it challenges audiences to engage with a story that’s part sci-fi action, part social commentary, and all chaos.
It’s a perfect storm: a visionary director, a sharp ensemble cast, a timely premise, and a release strategy that rewards the brave and curious. Whether it becomes a cult classic, sparks debates about AI, or simply overwhelms audiences with its audacity, one thing is clear: it will not be ignored.
So, will you step into the diner and join the fight against a rogue AI — or duck for cover and hope it all sorts itself out?
Good Luck Have Fun Don’t Die FAQs
What is the Good Luck Have Fun Don’t Die release date?
The U.S. release is February 13, 2026, following a world premiere at Fantastic Fest on September 24, 2025. The film will also have its international premiere at Berlinale 2026.
Who directed Good Luck Have Fun Don’t Die?
The film is directed by Gore Verbinski, known for Pirates of the Caribbean and The Ring. His signature visual style and chaotic energy are central to the film.
Who stars in the film?
The ensemble cast includes Sam Rockwell, Haley Lu Richardson, Michael Peña, Zazie Beetz, Asim Chaudhry, Tom Taylor, and Juno Temple. Rockwell leads as the mysterious time-traveling man recruiting diner patrons to stop rogue AI.
What genre is Good Luck Have Fun Don’t Die?
It’s a science fiction action-adventure comedy with dark satire and social commentary, exploring AI, time travel, and absurdist chaos.
Is Good Luck Have Fun Don’t Die rated R or PG-13?
The film is rated R for “pervasive language, violence, some grisly images, and brief sexual content.” It is intended for adult audiences.
Do you think you’ll survive the diner… or will the AI get you first? Share your theories in the comments.
