Gore Verbinski, the acclaimed director behind the first three Pirates of the Caribbean films, is returning with a bold new project. His upcoming sci-fi action-adventure feature, Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die, has officially found a studio and a U.S. release date. Fans of Verbinski can look forward to seeing his signature storytelling style applied to a completely new, independent vision, combining high-stakes adventure with imaginative world-building.
Studio and Release Date Announcement
Briarcliff Entertainment will distribute Verbinski’s latest film, with the U.S. theatrical release scheduled for January 30, 2026. Briarcliff is known for bringing unique and daring projects to audiences, including titles like Fahrenheit 11/9 (2018), Sweetwater (2023), Dogman (2024), and Sovereign (2025).
Tom Ortenberg, CEO of Briarcliff, praised the project, calling it “wildly original, endlessly entertaining, and unlike anything audiences have seen before.” Ortenberg added, “After seeing it, we immediately knew Briarcliff was the perfect partner to distribute Gore Verbinski’s first independent, bonkers movie. We couldn’t be more excited to share his vision with audiences across the country.”
A Bold Sci-Fi Adventure
Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die is written by Matthew Robinson, known for Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019) and Love and Monsters (2020). The story centers on a man from the future who arrives at a Los Angeles diner with a critical mission: he must recruit the right combination of disgruntled patrons to embark on a one-night-six-block quest to save the world from a rogue artificial intelligence.
The logline suggests a mix of high-concept science fiction, suspense, and dark humour, hallmarks of Verbinski’s directing style. By placing a small ensemble of characters in a confined urban setting, the narrative promises both intimate character moments and large-scale stakes.
Star-Studded Cast
Verbinski has assembled a strong ensemble cast for the project, featuring Sam Rockwell, Michael Peña, Juno Temple, Haley Lu Richardson, Zazie Beetz, Dino Fetscher, and Anna Acton. Each actor brings a distinct presence, ensuring that the film balances intense action with sharp character-driven performances.
This casting also suggests that the story will lean heavily on the interactions between these characters, highlighting both comedic and dramatic beats. Verbinski’s history of crafting ensemble-driven films, as seen in Pirates of the Caribbean and Rango (2011), indicates that the cast will be central to the film’s success.
Production and Filming
Production has been spearheaded by Verbinski himself, alongside producers Robert Kulzer, Denise Chamian, Erwin Stoff, and Oly Obst. Reports indicate that a significant portion of filming took place in Cape Town, South Africa, providing a versatile backdrop for the film’s mix of futuristic and urban environments.
Verbinski’s ability to blend practical sets with imaginative world-building is well documented. Fans can expect a visual experience that combines detailed production design with thrilling action sequences and clever visual storytelling.
Verbinski’s Evolution as a Director
Gore Verbinski first gained international fame directing the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy:
- The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
- Dead Man’s Chest (2006)
- At World’s End (2007)
Beyond pirates, Verbinski has demonstrated versatility, directing The Weather Man (2005), the animated Rango (2011), and the psychological thriller A Cure for Wellness (2017). This new independent project represents a departure from large studio blockbusters while retaining the director’s flair for spectacle, clever plotting, and character-driven narratives.
With Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die, Verbinski steps into independent cinema, giving himself more creative freedom while continuing to explore themes of adventure, technology, and human ingenuity.
Why Audiences Are Excited
The combination of Verbinski’s directorial vision, Robinson’s inventive script, and a talented ensemble cast has fans eagerly anticipating the release. The film promises:
- A unique narrative structure blending sci-fi and action-adventure
- Character-driven storytelling with an ensemble cast
- High-concept stakes involving AI and the fate of the world
- A fresh independent approach from a director known for blockbuster epics
FAQs: Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die
1. When will the film be released in the U.S.?
The movie is scheduled to hit theaters on January 30, 2026.
2. Who wrote the script?
The screenplay is by Matthew Robinson, writer of Dora and the Lost City of Gold and Love and Monsters.
3. Which studio is distributing the film?
Briarcliff Entertainment will handle U.S. distribution.
4. Who stars in the film?
The cast includes Sam Rockwell, Michael Peña, Juno Temple, Haley Lu Richardson, Zazie Beetz, Dino Fetscher, and Anna Acton.
5. Where was the film shot?
A significant portion of filming took place in Cape Town, South Africa.
What This Means for Investors and Moviegoers
Verbinski’s move into independent filmmaking with Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die signals a trend where acclaimed directors explore bold, smaller-scale projects that balance creativity with commercial appeal. For audiences, it promises an exciting new adventure that differs from the typical blockbuster fare, while retaining Verbinski’s signature craftsmanship.
Stay tuned for more updates on release details, trailers, and behind-the-scenes insights, and share your thoughts on what you hope to see in Verbinski’s next cinematic adventure!