
Gore Verbinski, the visionary director behind 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' and 'Rango', marks his highly anticipated return to filmmaking after a decade with the sci-fi comedy, 'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die'. The film, which hit UK cinemas on February 20, 2026, features an original score by acclaimed composer Geoff Zanelli, stepping into a primary role for Verbinski for the first time.
Zanelli's score underpins the narrative, which sees Sam Rockwell as a time-traveling man from the future. He takes patrons of a Los Angeles diner hostage, seeking unlikely recruits for a world-saving quest, a premise perfectly suited for a dynamic musical backdrop.
The film boasts a stellar supporting cast including Haley Lu Richardson, Michael Peña, Zazie Beetz, Asim Chaudhry, Tom Taylor and Juno Temple. Their performances are expected to elevate Verbinski's unique blend of sci-fi action and comedic timing.
While the original score is central, the film features a singular, impactful needle drop: R.E.M.'s iconic 'It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)'. This choice adds a surprising, yet fitting, layer to the film's apocalyptic undertones and comedic sensibility.
Geoff Zanelli's Ascendance: A New Chapter with Verbinski
This collaboration marks a significant moment in Geoff Zanelli's career trajectory. Having previously contributed to major Verbinski projects like 'Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales' (where Hans Zimmer was the primary composer), 'Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die' positions Zanelli as the sole primary composer.
Zanelli's extensive resume, featuring diverse scores for 'Into The West', 'Disturbia', 'Hitman', and 'Outlander', demonstrates his versatility and command across genres. His transition to a lead role for a director of Verbinski's calibre signals a natural progression and a deepening of his artistic partnership within the industry.
For Verbinski, returning after ten years, choosing Zanelli as his primary scoring collaborator is a strong endorsement. It indicates a trust in Zanelli's ability to craft a unique sonic identity for his distinctive filmmaking style, potentially charting a new course for their future artistic endeavors. The full soundtrack is available to stream now.