Interview: Michael Peña, Zazie Beetz, & Gore Verbinski on ‘Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die’

Gore Verbinski’s Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die arrives as a rare original studio release—an ambitious, genre-bending film that leans into dark humor, heightened tension, and an unmistakably singular voice. Anchored by a cast that includes Sam Rockwell, Zazie Beetz, and Michael Peña, the film blends sharp dialogue with meticulous visual storytelling, pushing audiences into a world that feels both absurd and unsettling. It’s the kind of project that immediately signals intention: a movie that wants to be experienced in a theater, guided by a filmmaker unafraid to take creative swings. We’ll have a full interview with Verbinski that Joey conducted up on the site next week, but we recently spoke to him and some of his cast at a New York City screening last week.

At the NYC screening on January 27, 2026, Michael Peña pointed to the screenplay as the immediate draw. “To be honest, I was super impressed with the script. I have never read anything like it,” he said. That initial impression only deepened once production began. “Of course, Gore Verbinski is known to take material and elevate it. That proved true on set because of the camera moves he planned and his explanations for why we needed to do things a certain way. It paid off in spades; he is a giant.”

Peña also reflected on the wide range of projects audiences associate with him, noting how that recognition has shifted over time. “At first it was Crash, then Shooter, End of Watch, Narcos: Mexico, and Ant-Man. Now, I think it is the show All Her Fault.” He added that recognition often comes from unexpected places. “There are also random ones like comedy outtakes from CHIPS and Eastbound & Down. It is always something different, so I count my blessings.”

When asked about projects he feels deserve more attention, Peña highlighted his recent work. “I would recommend All Her Fault on Peacock. It was nominated for some awards, and Sarah Snook won a Critics Choice Award.” He also teased what’s ahead, adding, “I also have a movie coming out later this year with Will Ferrell and Chris Hemsworth.”

As for a potential return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Peña kept expectations measured but playful. “You never know with the MCU. They like to get rid of people and then bring them back—it makes your head explode.” Still, excitement remains. “I am excited for Avengers [Doomsday], though; I think it is a perfect time for that movie. Even if they had called me for Doomsday or Secret Wars, I wouldn’t be able to tell you.”

For director Gore Verbinski, simply getting an original film into theaters is a victory in itself. Asked whether the process has become harder, he responded, “It is always hard, but as long as people show up, we are going to keep trying. I hope people show up for this one.”

Despite his history with major franchises, Verbinski made it clear where his focus currently lies. “There is only so much time left in the world, and I think there are more stories to tell. We are just here to celebrate this one tonight.”

Verbinski was particularly enthusiastic about the ensemble cast and the energy they brought beyond the script. “I have never worked with a cast that gets along so well. They brought so much energy.” He continued, “Making a movie can deplete your soul and leave you exhausted, but these guys are all friends. They hang out between takes and sing songs. That energy they have between setups ends up on screen.”

Zazie Beetz echoed that enthusiasm, tracing her commitment to the project back to her first read. “The moment I read the script. Ten pages in, I was locked in.” Knowing who was attached only deepened that connection. “I knew Sam was attached to play the lead, and the character was written beautifully in his voice.”

For Beetz, the film’s thematic core was impossible to ignore. “The message of the film resonated so profoundly with me that I wanted everyone to see it and experience it. I felt very passionate about being part of this story.”

Reflecting on audience recognition, Beetz acknowledged the project most associated with her name. “I think people recognize me most from the TV show Atlanta.” But she also pointed to a quieter film she hopes more people will discover. “As for the least recognized, I did a movie called Nine Days that my husband is also in. It is a really beautiful film, and I wish it had a little more time in the light.”