Can a time-traveling diner patron stop the AI apocalypse before his 118th attempt?
In short: In this high-concept science fiction comedy, a desperate man from a ruined future recruits ordinary strangers at a Los Angeles diner to prevent a technological singularity. As he cycles through endless failed timelines, he discovers that saving humanity requires more than just stopping a rogue artificial intelligence—it requires surviving the absurdity.
Directed by Gore Verbinski and penned by Matthew Robinson, Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die follows a man who repeatedly travels back in time to enlist a group of diner patrons against a looming AI threat. The narrative, which premiered at the 2025 Fantastic Fest before its February 2026 theatrical release, centers on the protagonist’s 117th attempt to install safety protocols before a young boy’s code triggers a global catastrophe. The film explores a future where humanity is enslaved by technology, a theme reflected in the characters' struggles against hypnotized teenagers and corporate-backed deadbots.
The production process was marked by a sense of urgency, as producers feared the project would lose cultural relevance if they delayed its development. After several candidates for the director's chair were considered, Erwin Stoff successfully pitched the script to Verbinski. With the involvement of producer Denise Chamian, the team secured Sam Rockwell for the lead role, which prompted Constantin Film to finance the $20 million budget. Principal photography took place in Cape Town in April 2024, utilizing local schools for key sequences.
Critical reception has been varied. While Rotten Tomatoes reports an 81% approval rating, with many praising Verbinski’s visual flair and the film's inventive, gonzo approach to the time-loop genre, others were less impressed. Some reviewers, such as Stephen A. Russell, criticized the screenplay for its heavy-handed exposition, suggesting the dialogue felt as if it were generated by the very AI the film satirizes. Despite these mixed reactions, the film remains a notable exploration of modern technological anxiety, blending dark humor with a cynical look at our collective inability to disconnect from the digital world.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die
- Also: Wikidata — Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die · CC0
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