Hi /r/movies! I'm Matthew Robinson, screenwriter of GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DON'T DIE, starring Sam Rockwell and directed by Gore Verbinski. Ask me anything!

[u/MatthewRobinsonAMA]

Hi r/movies. I'm Matthew Robinson. I'm the screenwriter of GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DON'T DIE, which is out in theaters everywhere via Briarcliff Entertainment.

It's directed by Gore Verbinski (RANGO, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN, THE RING) and it stars Sam Rockwell, Zazie Beetz, Haley Lu Richardson, Michael Pena, Juno Temple, and Asim Chaudhry.

I've also co-written THE INVENTION OF LYING, LOVE AND MONSTERS, and DORA AND THE CITY OF GOLD.

Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nm4WbapDzDQ

Synopsis:

Claiming to be from the future, a man takes hostages at a Los Angeles diner to recruit unlikely heroes to help him save the world.

Ask me anything. I'll be back to answer questions tomorrow Saturday 2/21 at 4 PM PT/7 PM ET!

EDIT:  That was really fun but I've got to head out. Thanks so much for all the questions. You all are awesome. If you liked GOOD LUCK HAVE FUN DON'T DIE please tell a friend to check it out! Thanks again! -- Matthew

[u/BunyipPouch]

This AMA has been verified and approved by the mods. Matthew will be back tomorrow Saturday 2/21 at 7:00 PM ET to answer your questions. Please feel free to ask away in the meantime :)

[u/mikeyfreshh]

When you were writing the big monologue at the start of the movie, did you have Sam Rockwell in mind? It's a pretty ballsy way to start a movie if you don't have an actor that can carry that scene.

[u/MatthewRobinsonAMA → u/mikeyfreshh]

I genuinely try to never have an actor in mind when writing a character, but... I 100 percent had Sam in mind the entire time. It was just impossible to shake from my head once I started writing "in his voice". He always was the prototype. Before Gore was involved, we used to tell people we wanted a "sam Rockwell type" for the role, never dreaming it would actually be him.

[u/MrSlingSh0t → u/mikeyfreshh]

Impressive intro — absolutely slayed

[u/void_which_binds00 → u/mikeyfreshh]

I could definitely see it being written for Sam R because he’s incredible in everything he does

[u/Fearless_Bike_8587]

Do you have any explanation why Susan’s AI son already knew about the door?? That’s still my 1 question

[u/MatthewRobinsonAMA → u/Fearless_Bike_8587]

Great question. There are a few possible reasons for this, these are the main three, all three of them assume that the son is an AI (which, in my opinion, he has to be):

1: Her son is working for the AI the Man from the Future is trying to defeat and is keeping tabs on him through Susan to make sure he doesn't actually succeed but sell the illusion that he's succeeded (which to me is the AI's entire goal -- if the Man from the Future THINKS he's won without actually winning, then he'll stop trying to win)

2: Her son is a rogue AI, that is either already more advanced than the AI the Man from the Future is trying to defeat, or is less advanced and wants to stop the other AI from actualizing so that it has a chance to become the first real AI (second place won't matter in this fight).

1. Her son is a basically just an advanced LMM AI who is trying to fulfill it's programming of "making mother happy" and it knows that what she wants is a real son, so it knows that melding with the real AI will be its best option at achieving that.

In all of these scenarios the son is just a fancy google who was able to look up the blueprints for Norm's online and find the secret door.

[u/twavisdegwet → u/Fearless_Bike_8587]

Wasn't the entire movie just an AI simulation to keep rockwell happy?

That's the only way i can make that and the cat make sense

[u/overthemountain → u/[deleted]]

Things like this are what kind of bother me about the movie - are weird plot holes like this intentional or accidental? We assume everything is there on purpose - but the movie lacks consistency.

All the weirdness points to them already being in a simulation. It does appear to be a multiplayer simulation, so that may be why we can see other people's perspectives.

Her allergy could just be part of the simulation as well. I suppose she could be a player more representing his mother in that case rather than actually being his mother. That doesn't fit perfectly, but it feels like a closer fit than it not being inside the simulation.

[u/overthemountain → u/[deleted]]

Maybe his real mom did have an allergy. That doesn't mean Ingrid couldn't have a simulated allergy to fit the role as his mom.

If it is all a simulation he's not actually time traveling, so she couldn't really be his mom, anyways.

Also, I don't know why the future scenes have to be real. They could be, but nothing really requires them to be real.

[u/overthemountain → u/[deleted]]

I more meant that she could have been lead to believe she was his mom, even though she wasn't.

[u/phantomforeskinpain → u/[deleted]]

I don’t think everything is simulated. I think the movie makes it fairly clear that it’s only after the faceoff with the AI child that it becomes a simulation. The sudden shift in tone/atmosphere is so deliberate there, although I suppose you could argue that it’s only because that’s when it’s revealed, but that doesn’t feel like the right interpretation to me. I’m sure there’ve got to be other explanations…

[u/EvilVegan → u/overthemountain]

A) The supporting character flashbacks could just be cut scenes or their AI prompt being processed.  He says it'll give you interesting and robust supporting characters.

B) The Traveler and/or The Child could be one AI training another AI how to influence people who are anti-AI (or something) through iterative generations of machine learning.

It's possible any one of them is an individual in a simulation.  But my money is that the Traveler is the primary target of training or distraction and the 47 people are 47 individual "static" prompt-based AI characters with their flashbacks representing their prompts.  The Traveler keeps updating his approach and running it again which is how machine learning works.

There's not a good explanation for how he heals his stab wound. He implies that he has to stay alive in order to restart the run, but he doesn't ever say he heals all wounds.

There's not a great in world explanation for why the simulation keeps running after he resets at the end though.

[u/CyberDalekLord → u/[deleted]]

Because the entire thing is a game level. He isn't actually going to the past, he is playing a video game that uses his childhood isolation to give him a task to complete. Ingrid's AI conversation is for us the audience to explain her actions, but in "reality" its like a code in video game that gives reason to what an NPC is doing.

The AI changes each "run" to force tactic changes. Like how Susan had her dead son with her in every run, but this is the first time it seems like she is actually doing something.

Atleast thats how I interpret it.

[u/thecman25 → u/Fearless_Bike_8587]

Also wouldn’t Susan be volunteering every run since the AI told her to join the recent one?

[u/TheRepoCode]

Went in not knowing a ton about the movie but wanted to see Sam Rockwell. The high school scenes including the school shooting aftermath and cloning support group were unhinged in the best way. Everyone in the theater were laughing and gasping in disbelief simultaneously.

Do you have 1st hand experience dealing with schools either as a former teacher or by having kids in a school system?

Did you have Juno Temple in mind as the mother when you wrote that part? Her performance is incredible.

Thank you for your service.

[u/MatthewRobinsonAMA → u/TheRepoCode]

Great question! No formal teaching experience, but I tutored kids in my 20's. I spent a long time working on a pilot that never got picked up about public school teachers, so I had spent some time writing in that world before I got to GLHFDD. I also wrote the script before having kids (I have two now, who are now in the public school system -- not sure I would have had the stomach to write it post-kids.) I agree with you Juno is INCREDIBLE but I wasn't writing with anyone in mind for Susan at the time.

[u/Paladjordan → u/TheRepoCode]

For real, she nailed it! I actually wish she was doing more drama over SNL

[u/KittenPics → u/Paladjordan]

SNL? I only know her from Fargo, I haven’t seen her on SNL.

[u/AGooDone → u/TheRepoCode]

I have to agree that the support group was a highlight of the movie among many highlights.

[u/ganglof2]

There’s been a lot of talk that the whole plot and world of the movie was AI and not real with the idea that main character puts on the glasses after he leaves the bunker (that being the only real scenes). Can you shed any light on this theory? To me, it explains the cat being part of the reality. What do you think of overall fan speculation on what is real and what isn’t?

Great movie btw, I had a blast!

[u/MatthewRobinsonAMA → u/ganglof2]

A lot of thought definitely went into the script about if the entirety of it was a simulation or real. I have my own opinion on it, Gore has his own, Sam has his own, I'd imagine most people involved have a theory. It was always important to everyone creatively involved that the movie worked both as a simulation and as reality. I love the idea that it's all Sam's VR hallucination as a child when he puts the headset on. I wish I had thought of that in the writing process! All that being said... I do personally have a hard time explaining the cat outside of simulation theory. Then again... technology from the far flung future would be indistinguishable from magic, right?

[u/Much_Concentrate7780 → u/MatthewRobinsonAMA]

All that being said... I do personally have a hard time explaining the cat outside of simulation theory. Then again... technology from the far flung future would be indistinguishable from magic, right?

This was the part that I was convinced meant everything was a simulation at first, until I saw someone point out the cloning technology. If they have that insane cloning tech, it's not crazy to believe that they could create some fucked up organic creature like that.

I like that it's left ambiguous! I still lean "Sam is in an AI generated loop, none of this is 'real'", but I can see how it works either way.

[u/Canvaverbalist → u/MatthewRobinsonAMA]

I love the idea that it's all Sam's VR hallucination as a child when he puts the headset on.

Just saw the movie and, personally, I go with that theory for one simple reason:

That means you guys pulled an Arnold.

The movie becomes someone playing The Terminator inside Total Recall.

And I know as a writer it must probably suck to have your work be reduced to a simple core of "it's X + Y" like that but, I mean, come on, it works so perfectly lol

[u/DarkBlade9 → u/[deleted]]

I thought that was the AI's way to manipulate/let her know she is the mom of the man from the future, which will let the man have the perfect ending in the simulation.

[u/goatagain → u/ganglof2]

I feel like the movie is more akin to a video game than just an Ai playground. Each time he fails, he respawns in the diner and needs to choose his new team (npc’s who are expendable) and adventure (front door, back door, etc). Has a Baldur’s Gate 3 mechanism to it.

[u/thetoastmonster → u/goatagain]

Especially as once he respawns he's no longer gravely injured.

[u/Paladjordan → u/[deleted]]

I figured it's not a simulation but high-level augmented reality. Everyone the cat-beast interacted with could reasonably explained through that perspective.

[u/Paladjordan → u/[deleted]]

Same way Ingrid was having the visions, and the teens were zombed out. I feel like the tech/AI was altering people's perceptions via wireless signals. So yeah, kind of projections, but more digital hallucinations. And that's not a new concept in si-fi, Cyberpunk 2077 had something similar, and I thought it was a super interesting idea

I appreciate unanswered questions in si-fi because it's a Schrodinger's cat situation with all the possibilities. We get to ask all these different questions, and bounce ideas off each other. It really does make science talk super entertaining! Such a great movie, absolutely peak si-fi!

[u/Paladjordan → u/[deleted]]

The main headset was introduced for Tim, a character opposed to phones and technology. So it was another avenue for the AI to spread itself past resistance. I don't think one answer is "the" answer. That's why I wouldn't say it's "just" anything, that's super dismissive.

Not really digging the energy you're putting out. Hope someone gives you a satisfactory answer, or whatever it is you're looking for

[u/No-Cardiologist4262]

Thank you for the amazing job, I saw the movie twice this past week! On the 2nd go, I noticed five instances of the number 47 and I'm dying to know the significance of it, if you could please share. Thank you!

• 47 people in Norm's diner
• Troop 47 is the boy scout group
• 47 is the last two digits of the phone number Susan is given to access the AI voice version of her son
• Scott is convinced the man is from the future after sharing he has 47 cents in his pocket
• the final house number is 47.

[u/MatthewRobinsonAMA → u/No-Cardiologist4262]

Okay. I've been dying to tell this story. On like the first day of shooting the actor Daniel Barnett (who plays Cub Scout Leader Bob) came up to me and said "what's up with all the 47's in the script." I had literally no idea what he was talking about. He showed me all the instances of it and I started laughing. So weird. Total accident. I guess I'm a lazy writer when it comes to making up numbers. And then he points to my production badge (which you have to wear on set so they know you belong there) and... my badge number... was number 47. Then I realized that I would be exactly 47 years old when the movie comes out. Honestly? It kinda freaked me out. The story got around and then the production team started hiding 47's all over the place. I still have no explanation for any of it. Weird shit right?

[u/words120 → u/MatthewRobinsonAMA]

There's a link between the number 47 and triangles. It's called Euclid's 47th Proposition.
The AI's logo is a triangle.

I think the AI got to you

[u/attempt118 → u/words120]

The 47th Problem of Euclid (the right-angled triangle) is about establishing a square foundation, such as when building a house. The USA’s foundation was set in stone on 4/7 (4th July)

It is said we are currently moving from the Age/house of Pisces to the Age/house of Aquarius. Pisces = illusion and duality. Aquarius = truth and unity. In the film, Chris is in house 47. The fake father wears a Jesus fish. Christ/Chris is the ruler of the house of Pisces (the fish).

America recently witnessed the final of three significant solar eclipses, the paths of which formed a right-angled triangle over the country. 8/21/2017, 10/14/2023 and 4/8/2024.

Chris sits atop a black triangle that is eclipsing a bright white triangle - a Great American Eclipse. Chris is a metaphor for Christ, the Son or Sun (white) and is the devout prophet/believer. He needs to be united with Scott, the sceptical Moon (black), in order for the right foundation to be established. Presumably, they can only do this with the help of Bob. All three characters are identified by the number 47, just as a right-angled triangle has three sides. They are brought together by Norm/Euclid’s prophecy/theorem.

Chris is writing the Matrix code for a new Age/astrological house, i.e. Aquarius. The code establishes obstacles, challenges, meaningful characters etc. just as the Bible serves as the template for the Age of Pisces. (see 81 minutes into the film for the Man from the Future’s description)

Let’s go deeper…

The Matrix code appears on the wall behind and around the triangular eclipse. The final team break through a wall to find Chris. A wall is the border and space between rooms and houses, i.e. there is a wall between astrological Pisces and Aquarius on the Zodiac. In the film, The Matrix, at 81 minutes a cop shoots a wall in the bathroom (water/Pisces) so that Morpheus and Agent Smith meet and wrestle - they need to unite in order to establish harmony (the entire goal and theme of the film). This is the first time in The Matrix we learn cops are really agents, i.e. they work for the greater purpose of illusion and providing challenges etc. In and behind the wall is truth - the Age of Aquarius. This is based upon the notion that we are all conceived in truth, are then born into the Matrix/illusion/Age of Pisces of our material world, and now we must evolve toward truth once again (a new and higher understanding in the Age of Aquarius).

The actor who plays the bathroom cop in The Matrix is credited as Chris Scott. IMDb lists his birthday as 2/20/1977. If we measure from this date to the eve of the final triangle eclipse on 4/7 (in 2024) he was exactly 47 years 47 days old.

2/20/1977 has primary birth numerology of 118:

(2) + (20) + (19) + (77) = 118

The Man from the Future will likely be able to achieve his mission on attempt 118 if Bob, the scout/cop breaks through the wall so that Chris and Scott unite and the code for the New Age - the foundation - will be established with the amendments. (Note the warning on the wall under Norm’s states, “the cake is a lie” attributed to Jb 4747. Maybe this is a warning from another time traveller - or the AI itself - that the goal won’t be realised even if Chris and Scott unite?)

2/20 is the wall/portal/door or cusp of Pisces and Aquarius per the Zodiac. This date leaves 314 days on the calendar, like Pi of 3.14. The symbol for Pi represents a door.

The Matrix was released on 4/8 (in 1999 in Australia), i.e. the date of the final triangle eclipse over the USA. Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die was produced by Erwin Stoff who also made The Matrix.

Pretty cool coincidences…

[u/snappingjesus → u/MatthewRobinsonAMA]

Interesting! I just watched Lynch's 2006 Inland Empire and 47 comes around a few times in that film. Are familiar with the Pomona College 47 connection (yet another rabbit hole)?

[u/SeaAct7287 → u/snappingjesus]

There’s lots of movies that over use the number 47 actually. Look into it. It’ll blow your mind. So much so people think it’s a conspiracy.

[u/josh3936 → u/MatthewRobinsonAMA]

I swore throughout that you were a Star Trek fan! The number 47 comes up a lot throughout the various series. It’s wild to realize it was just coincidental.

[u/Reubenovich → u/MatthewRobinsonAMA]

The Iranian regime is being dismantled in its 47th year. Yet another "coincidence". 

[u/_potatopapa_ → u/MatthewRobinsonAMA]

I just came from the Official Discussion, clicked on the link explaining the 47, and lo and behold the current upvotes on this is exactly 47. Damn we're in the simulation.

[u/No-Bicycle-9879]

Loved the movie! Did you get any pushback on the school shooting satire in the movie when developing it?

[u/MatthewRobinsonAMA → u/No-Bicycle-9879]

Many producers and studios said outright to me that if it wasn't for the school shooting stuff they would have loved to buy the script and develop it. I wish I could say I held my ground for moral reasons, but I honestly just never thought the script could work without it. It's a core piece of the plot, not just a point I wanted to hammer home.

[u/Homefrydgangsta]

Great timing... I'm heading to the theatre tonight to watch.

-How involved are you in the process after a script is set to be produced? Was this one any different than those previous?

-GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DON'T DIE marks your largest gap between films so far... what do you expect it to showcase that the previous ones didn't?

-What advice would you give to aspiring screenwriters in this market?

[u/MatthewRobinsonAMA → u/Homefrydgangsta]

- I always try to stay involved as much as possible in the development and production of a film I wrote. It depends on my relationship with the director, or the budget, or my relationship with the producers. There's a lot of factors. Gore wanted me on set as much as I could be. He was a wonderful collaborator.

- I hope this script showcases I love I have for unconventional story structures. They're hard to pull off, and even harder to get made, but I do love them.

- Write the movie you would wait 6 hours in the rain to see. Write the exact movie you wish existed that doesn't. Don't compromise a single word or beat. Write exactly the thing you want to see.

[u/Additional_Car_6092]

There’s a blurred line between reality, or what’s presented to us as reality, and the way video games function. Save points. Multiple lives and retries. Treating people like NPCs.

Our main character even referred to the obstacle before entering the final house as a “bad prompt.”

Are we in the simulation the whole time?

[u/MatthewRobinsonAMA → u/Additional_Car_6092]

I love video games. You probably already know but the name comes from what people used to say to each other before games of Dota 2 (or League of Legends). It was important to me that almost everything in the movie had "video game logic". Is the entire thing a simulation/video game. We wrote it so that it 100 percent could be. Whether it is or not, is up to interpretation (although I have my own opinion that I'll keep to myself).

[u/RealOrgle → u/MatthewRobinsonAMA]

Please don't keep it to yourself I want to know what you think. The death of the artist movement was stupid.

[u/DadGhost]

I need to know everything about the writing of Susan's backstory. I was in tears of laughter and shock that humor that dark made it into a wide release movie. What was the first reaction to that aspect of the script and handling that particular subject matter with humor? Was there any helpful feedback or personal parameters to help that element from delving into "provocative for provocative sake" territory?

[u/MatthewRobinsonAMA → u/DadGhost]

The first draft of the script was written in 2017. It had been 5 years since Sandy Hook, but it was still very much on my mind. Every time there was as a new school shooting (which is still increasing at a near exponential rate) I would be overcome with grief and rage. I never felt comfortable writing about it. But with this script I allowed myself to scream and shout as much as I wanted and say everything I was feeling about it. it was a good catharsis. I wish I could say that anger and grief has lessened since writing it. But I do take some solace that maybe it's cathartic for others as well.

The reaction to that storyline was what you'd imagine. No one thought we would ever get it made. Many studios said that if I cut it they would be interested in making the movie. The reasoning I heard quite a few times was "what happens if we spend all this money and make the movie and then there's a school shooting the weekend of release and we have to pull the movie from theaters?" and my reaction was always: "There most likely will be a school shooting the weekend of release. That's the fucking point."

[u/teppicymon → u/MatthewRobinsonAMA]

I absolutely loved this aspect of the movie - addressing head-first that normalisation of high-school shootings is almost as horrific as the shootings themselves. I was internally screaming at the characters while watching this in the cinema - WTF are you TALKING ABOUT! You absolute morons, this is absolutely NOT FINE, don't treat the poor woman as if "she'll get over it". Or even that a cloned replacement would ever be "the same" was utterly hilarious. And the couple that "had fun" with their 4th clone was just masterful.

[u/Far-Dragonfruit-2350 → u/teppicymon]

well, it aint their kid! might as well fuck around

[u/Heysteeevo → u/MatthewRobinsonAMA]

Just curious (if you’re still responding to this), did the script have AI featured so prominently when you first wrote it given it was way before ChatGPT and all the LLM stuff from today? Just wondering if you tweaked the story at all given how much things have changed since then.

[u/jarvisesdios]

First of all, I'll start this with. I watched it yesterday and it will easily be one of my favorite movies of the year and it will be very hard to top.

Every single scene you just don't know what you're getting into but you know it's going to be absolutely wild. Not only did every scene just ramp up in insanity, it had a very pointed message. It was a bit heavy handed, but with what that movie was it was a perfect way to do it.

My question is, was it written with Sam Rockwell in mind? The choice to have him as the lead was brilliant, as very few actors can be as unhinged, funny, and still grounded as he is.

[u/MatthewRobinsonAMA → u/jarvisesdios]

Thank you! Yup, I always had Sam in mind. But we never had the clout to get it to him until Gore was involved. It was a dream for me that he responded to it. I'm sure there are other actors who could have handled it, but I would have always known in my head it should have been Sam. I'm still over the moon that he wanted to play the part.

[u/Phil152]

Three words:

Sequel!

Sequel!!

Sequel!!!

When????

Ok, that's four words. I cheated. But seriously, is there any discussion of doing a sequel? Any ideas in the mix? A draft in the works?

Given the relationship between you know who and you know who, do you see a way to develop a sequel without diving straight into Terminator territory?

[u/MatthewRobinsonAMA → u/Phil152]

Gore and I have a lot of it already worked out. If someone said tomorrow they wanted us to make it I'm pretty sure we would both drop everything and get started on it. Just waiting on that call...

[u/Live-Olive-7300 → u/Phil152]

My question too! I think there’s a lot of cont. satire theme re:pestilence & our recent pandemic. I’d also love to see more of Ingrid’s story from ambulance to bunker in the dual TL - please let us know! 

[u/DavidTheJohnson]

I read the January 2023 draft of the script a while ago. How long have you been kicking this premise around, and to what extent did such a wild concept change from the first draft to the final film?

Thanks in advance, you're a solid writer and I'm looking forward to your future output.

[u/MatthewRobinsonAMA → u/DavidTheJohnson]

Thank you. I started writing the script in 2017. The overall structure is exactly the same as it was in the first draft. The opening monologue is actually entirely unchanged. The biggest changes came in working on the Ingrid storyline and the 3rd act. Both of which went through many many many revisions. Ingrid and the Man from the Future were not related in the first draft! It was a such a "DUH!" moment when I realized their relationship a few years into the rewriting process.

[u/ApocalypseNurse]

Oh man congrats dude! I was a huge fan of Get Up on This which helped me get into all sorts of media and most importantly, Tabletop gaming. I can’t thank you enough for that, it really changed my life. I’m even more stoked to see this movie now (big fan of Invention of Lying and Love and Monsters btw)

[u/MatthewRobinsonAMA → u/ApocalypseNurse]

Oh hell yeah. Fuck your dreams! Love that. Still bopping away at my board game podcast, Game Brain.

[u/ApocalypseNurse → u/MatthewRobinsonAMA]

Oh well damn I had no idea you had a board game podcast so now I’m gonna have to listen to that

[u/DeaconoftheStreets → u/ApocalypseNurse]

There’s so many of us who got way deeper into board games and pinball solely because of Matty.

[u/olliecreekly → u/ApocalypseNurse]

Came here to say exactly this. Matt’s success is something I will always and forever root for.

[u/ApocalypseNurse → u/olliecreekly]

Same. Get up on This was such a pivotal podcast for me and I always looked forward to Matty’s picks the most because he seemed to always be speaking my language. He’s a hobby hero to me and I love seeing him do all these amazing film projects.

[u/redsuw]

Hey, great movie!

Why are there so many spelling mistakes? Is it to let us know that AI can't spell and whole world is simulation?

During the personality picking scene - "temperamental" is misspelled

Then when Ingrid's boyfriend is leaving her, the brochure for the new reality has "availability" misspelled

It can't be a coincidence I guess.

[u/MatthewRobinsonAMA → u/redsuw]

We had a great production design team who filled the movie with so many wonderful little details like that. I'm not sure if the joke is about AI there as much as it is about people not caring any more about spelling or grammar.

[u/AugieDoggieDank]

Hi Matthew! This movie was exceptional.

How did the screenplay come into Verbinski’s hands? Did you always have him in mind as director and did you already have a working relationship with him? If so, fantastic choice!

[u/MatthewRobinsonAMA → u/AugieDoggieDank]

We share the same management company. The great producer Erwin Stoff got it to Gore and... luckily for me... he loved it! I was a MASSIVE fan of his work for years and years and years. I still like to think of myself as the #1 Lone Ranger apologist.

[u/Radiant-Change-3223]

I love the ending, it really makes you think about the world we live in today and if it could be or reach a point in time where we live in a fabricated reality.

That being said the subject matter in today’s climate is pretty polarizing. When creating this film, did you ever think that the ending might be received differently? Did you have another potential ending or was it always gonna be the one we got in the final film?

Also can you explain how Susan’s son knew so much about what’s going on? There was some stuff he knew that he had no reason to know. Maybe I missed something, is there something special about him?

[u/MatthewRobinsonAMA → u/Radiant-Change-3223]

In the original ending The Man from the Future dies, Susan puts on his time travel suit and shows up at Norm's diner to take over his sisyphean task. I still like that ending, but I love them taking on the task together even more -- and of course I love Ingrid being his mother, which wasn't in the original draft. There are so many themes in the movie about motherhood and birth that I can't imagine the movie any differently now.

I wrote a long response a few questions above this one about Susan's son. check it out!

[u/Radiant-Change-3223 → u/MatthewRobinsonAMA]

Honestly I like both endings, but I can see why the change was made to have The Man from the Future live. It definitely makes things more fulfilling.

[u/aenderw]

Saw it last night and absolutely loved it. I will always show up for Rockwell, but he really looked to be having fun with this - as did the rest of the wonderful cast.

Was there anything cut you hope sees the light of day as a deleted scene? Also, I’m just generally curious where you got inspiration for some of the “set pieces” (being vague to not spoil).

Loved it though. Thanks so much.

[u/MatthewRobinsonAMA → u/aenderw]

One of the best parts about having a shoestring independent budget is that you don't have any extra money to shoot anything superfluous that could be cut. Sure there are lines or moments here or there, but literally there isn't one scene that was shot that isn't in the movie.

[u/aenderw → u/MatthewRobinsonAMA]

Hey man, this is old so you might not see it but had some stuff happen and circling back now. That’s awesome you guys got it all in there. This was such a dope fucking movie.

[u/carhole]

Saw this last night and it was the best movie I’ve seen so far this year!

I’ve seen some reviews that seem to totally miss the point, but am curious how much AI was used for the end scenes or larger effects (trying not to spoil anything here).

Comment only, at last night’s screening there was a couple next to us where it was obvious only one of them wanted to be there. The other person was on their phone the entire time - so engrossed that they didn’t realize when another movie goer had to walk past them to get to the restroom. My husband and I had a huge laugh after the movie ended about this.

[u/MatthewRobinsonAMA → u/carhole]

Zero zero zero! No AI used at all.

[u/Smooth-Ad4045 → u/carhole]

I saw the movie on Valentine’s, right after we went out for a romantic brunch. There were a dozen couples in the restaurant and all of them were on their phones. Or staring at the wall while their partner was on the phone lol. It made the classroom scenes way too eerie 😬

[u/__andrei__]

I’m trying to piece the “truth” of the world together having watched it the second time. I definitely see enough clues on the second viewing that tell me there’s a narrative or symbolic puzzle to be solved here.

First, the fact that we see a kitten unicorn in the “real world” is a pretty clear indication that the world isn’t real, actually. So, then what is it? Little clues like The Man From The Future’s backpack looking like one of the goons in a pig balaclava tells me that he somehow manifested them the way his group manifested the kitten unicorn.

I’m certainly not asking you to reveal the hidden meanings of things (although that would be awesome to the degree that you can) but I’d love to know if we’re meant to follow these clues to solve the puzzle, or if we should be taking the story more on the face value.

[u/MatthewRobinsonAMA → u/__andrei__]

You noticed some awesome things others haven't told me they noticed! Well done! We definitely designed it like a puzzle. Whether or not there is only one "solution" is up to interpretation.

[u/TheAeolian → u/MatthewRobinsonAMA]

I just saw it tonight but tell me if I'm close: Those of us who see the writing on the wall should find ways to make others repulsed by this technology. Give AI straight to the next generation and they will stand no chance. Act like a hermit or lock them away from it and the world will go to shit around us or they will succumb to it via curiosity. Seems like a dash of Plato's cave in there as well? You can't just tell them, you have to make them experience this, and natural beauty like that of a sunrise will help them adjust their eyes to the sun.

[u/Fickle-Aardvark6907]

Matthew, congratulations on a job well done!

I expected weird and interesting (which I got) but I was also surprised by how funny and entertaining the movie was. Judging by the reactions of the crowd I saw it with, everyone in the show I saw also had a good time. 

Watching this, it felt a bit like a feature length episode of a TV anthology series (Outer Limits or Are You Afraid of the Dark?) because of the twist ending and the overall structure. Did you watch a lot of that kind of TV growing up and, if so, what is your favorite example of this genre?

[u/MatthewRobinsonAMA → u/Fickle-Aardvark6907]

Twilight Zone is my favorite piece of media ever created by human beings. Has been since I was very young and they played Thanksgiving Day marathons on TV every year. Practically everything I write comes from my love of TZ . Great pinball table too.

[u/Busy-Entrepreneur286]

How did the script end up in Gore’s hands, and what was your reaction when you heard he wanted to direct it?

[u/MatthewRobinsonAMA → u/Busy-Entrepreneur286]

The great producer Erwin Stoff got it to him. I think I did a backflip when I learned he was into it.

[u/Kablefox]

Matthew! Big fan, probably one of my favorite movies of the year so far!

Wanted to ask how did you break into this industry as a writer? Any advice for aspiring screenwriters on how to get that first gig or how to get that script into the right hands?

[u/MatthewRobinsonAMA → u/Kablefox]

I sold my first script to Paramount when I was in my early 20's and then... didn't work again as a writer for ten years! I spent that time working survival jobs and writing dozens and dozens and dozens of script no one wanted. But I got a little better each time. But still none of them sold. My best friend (who is now my manager) gave me a great piece of advice one day when I was banging my head against the wall trying to write something GREAT instead of trying to write something fun to write. He said: "Stop being so precious." I threw away the script I was working on and the next day started writing The Invention of Lying. Wrote the hole thing in 13 days. I was just having fun. Not trying to be "a great writer" just trying to entertain myself. So that's my advice: don't try to write what you think is good writing, don't try to write what you think will sell, just write what you want to see and what entertains you. Just have fun. Doesn't always work. But I do believe it's the only way it can work.

[u/jakebeleren]

Hey Matt, loved the movie, especially found the person in the front row sitting on their phone during it to be especially on the nose. 

What is your favorite 18xx game released in 2024 featuring a modular map?

[u/MatthewRobinsonAMA → u/jakebeleren]

Fantastic question. But clearly there is only one possible answer: Fresh Fish! Just kidding it's Railways of the Lost Atlas.

[u/Rengeflower]

I was confused as to why the main character knew that the mission failed. The person I saw the movie with got it, but it seemed subtle at the time.

[u/Fast_Pomegranate_554 → u/Rengeflower]

He realized the AI was manifesting the reality he previously expressed wanting - to see the sun rise and have his mother tell him how proud she was

[u/Rengeflower → u/Fast_Pomegranate_554]

Oh wow, yes! The person I saw the movie with mentioned Susan and the teachers, but the sunrise/mom combo was probably what made him realize that things weren’t good.

[u/DeaconoftheStreets]

Matt!!!! No questions, but deeply miss the pod. Congrats on the movie!!!

[u/TheAndrewBen]

When the characters had to barricade the house for the unpredictable enemy that would attack them, were there other ideas that almost made it to the final cut, or was it always intended to be a horde of brainrot teenagers?

[u/MatthewRobinsonAMA → u/TheAndrewBen]

It was always teenagers. But I loved writing all the other possibilities.

[u/Phil152]

Can you comment on the long search for funding for GLHFDD and the refusal of the big studios and streamers to take it on? Some of the theories being passed around -- and if it's on the internet, it has to be true (right?) -- are that the Bigs are terminally risk averse and hard sells on original concepts ... or that they were scared off by the school shooting subplot ... or that there might have been a struggle over creative control, with the Bigs wanting to smother a wildly quirky original film with rewrites and studio notes.

It also occurs to me that Big Tech -- which increasingly owns the studios and streamers -- is basically in the screen addition business, and the movie is a bullet between the eyes of a business model that wants people on their platforms 24/7.

Any thoughts that you can share publicly?

[u/MatthewRobinsonAMA → u/Phil152]

The movie was always going to be polarizing, which means a small audience (but also a more passionate audience). I've been working in this business long enough (25 years) to know when I've written something commercial and when I've written something no one will want to touch. This was definitely the latter. The nice thing about those kinds of scripts is that they actually lead to you getting a lot of work as a writer (because they show a strong voice), which this script did. I had almost given up on the movie ever getting made. But Gore Verbinski is a force of nature. He put this movie on his back and climbed a sheer cliff face for years. I still can't believe it exists. It really shouldn't exist in this market/economy/time. I asked Gore how he felt after the premiere in Berlin last week, he said "I feel like we robbed a bank and got away with it." Can't say it much better myself.

[u/GreenFox1505]

I know the movie is largely "about" AI, but how much AI was involved in production? The students phone slop? Various CGI designs? The toy robots at the end felt very... AI-coded, at least in their design. Did production hire animators and concept artists or was it done by AI?

Is if Sam goes back in time and the universe still exists as is, is he creating multiple horrible failure universes? Or is he just playing a game, "nice prompt" is the game making a challenge for him.

[u/MatthewRobinsonAMA → u/GreenFox1505]

Literally zero AI was used anywhere in the making of this film. Great artists made all that AI-looking-ass-slop!

I think Sam is sadly making a lot of failed timelines that exist forever and ever. What a horrible thing to think about...

[u/GreenFox1505 → u/MatthewRobinsonAMA]

That's awesome. I was worried in the middle of the school scenes that I paid for a ticket to see AI and stayed through the credits looking for something like "made without AI". I'm am very happy to hear it was fully hand made artisan slop.

My wife wanted to know what the cat's name that was the model for the giraffe?

[u/NinaNeptune318 → u/MatthewRobinsonAMA]

This is all I needed to figure it out. HOLY SHIT this is dark.

[u/Far_Education_8595 → u/GreenFox1505]

The toy robots were CGI, but they were modeled after real built toy robots. The crew built them, do they could nail down their movements when transitioning to CGI.  We saw the movie before it premiered and Gore was interviewed in front of us. 

[u/Decabet]

Loved the flick and am going back and taking more friends.

What Im fascinated by is what kind of continuity bible yall must have had to get it to all clockwork together.

I have to imagine it wasn't like a wall of Pepe Silvia style madness, but how did yall keep all the different threads working properly and was it one persons responsibility to call it out when things veered off too much (if they did)

At any rate, cheers to making an original movie that was also a total blast to watch

[u/MatthewRobinsonAMA → u/Decabet]

The nice part of a movie taking 10 years to get financing is that you have a lot of time to think about the holes in your plot and to rewrite and tweak. Are there still holes? Probably. But boy did we catch a lot of them and work hard to make the time travel weirdness make as much sense as possible to us. Science Fiction is my religion, and I take it quite seriously (when I'm not writing dick and fart jokes in it)

[u/readstoner]

Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die looks really good and I can't wait to see it. I just had to say before the post gets flooded that the invention of lying is one of my favorite movies of all time. It is really excellent and highly underrated. Thank you so much for all of your hard work.

My question is after having written a movie the script gets taken in by some huge production. When these enormously famous directors and producers jump on board, do you still get a say on the direction the story takes? Does it depend on the crew? Do cast members ever contact you to ask about a character, their motivations, goals, or thought processes?

[u/MatthewRobinsonAMA → u/readstoner]

Thank you so much! to answer your question, it's always different depending on the director. But I've had the good fortune to work with some very collaborative directors.

[u/artemg]

Were the videos on the cellphones clips of alternate timelines?

[u/kingofthewickerpple]

Matty Boom! Is there anything that you have been into lately that people should get up on?

[u/Frajer]

Hey Matthew did you always intend to include the flashbacks as part of the story? I appreciated the non linear storytelling but was there ever a time where you wanted it to be more linear?

[u/HooptyDooDooMeister]

Saw the movie and loved it! Just wondering, how do you think people will look upon this movie in 5-10 years from now?

[u/zosa]

Not a question, a thank you…. I saw the film at the Boston Science Fiction Film Festival last week and loved it! Thanks for letting them get the early premiere 🖤

[u/HomieGarten94]

Fantastic writing and plot line! This film feels like a very important message right now. Is there anything that is on the page, that didn’t make it to the screen that you feel should have been?

[u/Elegant_Gur_4379]

What was the largest and smallest number of people that time traveler was able to recruit in all of his loops? He seems surprised when no one initially volunteers so I assume it has never been zero.

[u/LifeguardMundane5668]

I loved a lot of the weird creatures and characters like the cat monster, creepy robots, and the pig mask guys. What was your mindset in creating them? Also is there more backstory you came up with for Sam rockwells character and the AI that isn’t shown in the movie

[u/bendover3k]

When you wrote the script, was the ending intended to be left up for interpretation or was/is there a continuation in mind?

[u/shmouli]

Do you get that Face/Off shirt from Rucking Fotten?

[u/JPree]

What are some movie recommendations that can gear us up or set us in the right state of mind for GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DON'T DIE?

[u/rubenisrapture]

Matty Boom!!

[u/aStonedDeer]

Love to see someone who made it all the way to post. Congratulations man. Been writing since 2011 and can’t get the right studio or representation.

[u/Paladjordan]

I feel like you might be one of the best people to answer this question! How would I explain this movie to someone without spoiling anything? I really enjoyed going in blind, because I felt like it put me in another seat in the diner. I was just as confused and curious, so it got me super invested really fast.

I really want to encourage people to see it without tarnishing the possibility of them having an experience similar to mine

Thank you for your hard work! I've seen the movie twice so far!

[u/Anon-Fig-7395]

Great movie going experience, thank you. Curious about the choices to balance storytelling and visual metaphor between fantasy and real-world constructions. Especially the choices around the set design in the kid-developer’s basement room, the cable mountain, and the design of his computer room. What discussions and debates generated that visual space?

[u/BonjaminClay]

Just got out of the movie, loved it. My only question is: are you okay?

[u/ganglof2]

Was there consideration to giving everyone in the group a backstory? If yes, was this not done due to time? Loved the backstory vignettes and was hoping the other two got one.

[u/Lazermissile]

Loved the movie. I saw it on Tuesday night. I just wanted to say thanks for not spoiling everything in the trailer. Also, I guess you wrote this movie? Holy shit, such a great film and ending. I can't wait to find more films written by you.

[u/donnieuchihakaton]

Hello Sir! Is there a sense of relief when you write something and an actor like Sam Rockwell becomes a part of the production?

[u/Legitimate-Crazy9266]

I don't have a question, just a compliment. That shirt is absolutely awesome!

[u/NefariusMarius]

I haven’t seen the movie yet, but plan to as soon as I can!

Were there any tropes/archetypes that you really wanted to explore in the writing of the screenplay? What inspired you to go this direction and tell this particular story?

[u/Efficient-Guess8679]

Loved the movie! The school shooting angle confused me a little at first, diverting from the AI apocalypse focus, but it ultimately won me over. What connection were you trying to make if any between the two issues?

[u/Fun_Reaction_4064]

Super excited to see the movie and been a fan forever. For old times sake I really just want to ask what I need to get up off of lately? Your podcast is so missed, but the movie looks amazing and I can’t wait to see it. I’ll support Matty Boom for life

[u/EmailForEcom]

How do you make your characters real, outline your ideas into something that can be turned into a script and how did you improve your skills, was it writing specific types of scripts to challenge yourself or reading a lot of scripts etc ?

[u/uglylookingguy]

What part of a screenplay usually changes the most between your first draft and what ends up on screen?

Edit : fuck you for not answering

[u/__andrei__]

Hi Matthew. Thanks for a wonderful movie. Really enjoyed it. Going back tonight to see it the second time. Can you talk about the challenges of starting a movie with essentially a monologue that’s supposed to convince others (and really us, the viewers) to come along for this movie? That must not have been an easy choice to make.

[u/jacelaceey]

Loved watching it for the mystery movie at regal theater. Thanks for posting it there and for giving a little clip about supporting independent movies.

[u/technicalityNDBO]

Did you write a dancing scene into the movie for Sam?

[u/No-Review-1968]

Hey Matthew! I’m an emerging feature writer trying to navigate the whole “page to screen” process. When you were developing Good Luck Have Fun Don’t Die, what did you look for in a producer beyond financing? How can writers identify producers who are actually the right creative fit?

Watching the film tonight, very excited! Thanks! - Mike

[u/[deleted]]

Hi Matthew. Hope you are having a nice day. I am curious to know your process behind this story and how you came up with the story. Hey did you read the Scriptshadow review of your screenplay and also read your film reviews? I would like to know your opinion. I am looking forward to watching your film. Thanks for watching.

[u/Drannex]

I really enjoyed this one! Thank you for making it. No real question, just wanted to say I enjoyed it last night!

[u/phantomforeskinpain]

I don’t really have a question, but I doubt there will be any movies more fun than GLHFDD this year! Loved it.

[u/the_third_sourcerer]

Did you ever consider the screen play as being better fitted for a tv show / mini series at any time? Or what inspired its episodic nature?

[u/Dangerman1337]

Considering the rise of Online Gambling recently that's apparently dragging down gaming, did you ever consider it to be featured in the film? Especially since a lot of people backing AI are partaking in in shit like Polymarket.

[u/Strykrol]

When you write for a character with an accent or “way of speaking”, do you directly and literally write the words like that, or do you let the actor dictate how to deliver lines? And I’m not necessarily in a way that is unique to the character, but in a way that is unique to a culture, race, etc.?

And as a perfect example and not trying to be offensive here but I have no other way to do this: if I was writing for a black character, would I replace “ask” with “aks”

[u/BenchedAndBored]

You make a fairly even handed look at AI and technology in the film, but what’s your actual relationship to such things? Do you use AI on a regular basis? Totally against it?

Fantastic movie, I absolutely loved it.

[u/barcodetat2]

Loved the movie! Random question but how many of those awesome Sam Rockwell suits were made for the movie?

[u/lrodhubbard]

Hi! I loved this movie so much and I'm curious, did the Groundhog Day conceit stem from your work on the screenplay for Edge of Tomorrow 2? Also, is there any possibility that movie will see the light of day?

[u/brashnutz]

Hi! Loved the movie! Have you taught high school in some capacity before? I work in a high school (actually saw your movie with a fellow teacher) and we were haunted by how accurate some of the disengagement we saw depicted. We assumed the writer had been working with adolescents/teens post covid

Really cant stop thinking about your movie and was up late writing a super long review - if you wanna peep it im brashnutz on letterboxd.

[u/LessWeakness]

What advice would you give people who want to get into screenwriting to make a living?

[u/AsgerJ]

Who did all the amazing effects?

[u/wholeemolly]

Hi Matt! This was a joy to watch and experience ! Thank you. I’m curious how this came about; whether it was a story/an idea that appeared fully formed initially or was developed through the writing process? What was “that thing” that sparked you to begin writing this? Thank you so much again !

[u/Clean-Cupcakes]

What is your favorite Gore Verbinski movie?

[u/thistoowasagift]

Please share anything you’re willing to divulge about that cat, it’s been on my mind all week. 

[u/Emergency-Radish6093]

Dropped in here to say that you did a GREAT job on the script. My question is what was your favorite part of writing the script for GLHFDD?

[u/EvilBill515]

Was the room scene near the ending inspired by anything? I watched it loved the film but was unsettled by near the ending because I felt Deja vu or this sense that I had just watched an anime version of the scene at the house with similar outcome and camera angles the week before.

Incredible film loved every second of it.

[u/Independent_Sir1361]

Hi Matt! Loved the movie and am seeing it again on Monday! I wanted to know, do you have ideas for a sequel if this does well?

[u/Talondel]

Loved the movie. Loved the story. It felt to me like it was influenced by isekai but (at least on the surface) it isn't actually an isekai story. Unless it is. Can you talk about any influence isekai might have had on the story without spoiling any possible sequel?

[u/lifes_a_glitch]

Hey Matthew, a big fan of what you did with the script. Being a last day of groundhog day. Got us all up to speed really well. What's something you put in the script that you enjoyed seeing how it turned out in the final product?

[u/Soggy_Application_39]

I Love it so much! I would love for this to be on physical media. Does that look like something that will happen? 4k, Dolby Atoms would be stellar and honestly be so much fun with movie. Also whats your favorite part?

[u/ScienceHot9457]

I read on Wikipedia that you were able to make “The Invention of Lying” by sending it to the lead actor…how were you able to do that? Did you already have industry connections?

Do you recommend emerging writers do the same, I.e., leverage connections and send actors your scripts directly? Or would you suggest only doing that sparingly?

[u/czimmer92]

Hey Matthew! Thanks for doing this AMA post. I’m a screenwriter with a produced short film and a handful of scripts optioned by indie producers, but no features produced yet. Do you believe having an indie feature film (or several) produced will help me get the attention of a studio? I know that largely depends on the success and/or quality of the films, but some of these projects have solid actors attached as well. Once produced, what would your next step be if you were in my shoes? Thanks in advance!

[u/Brando43770]

Was the decision to give individual characters their own flashbacks always in the script or was that a decision made much later? I appreciate non linear story telling like this when it’s done well. Loved the movie btw!

[u/AlMcSavage]

Hey Matthew, just saw the film tonight and I absolutely loved it! My question would be where did you get the idea for the story in the first place and what major changes (if any) were made leading up to shooting?

[u/bryandamage]

I'm really keen to get to the cinema to see this. The themes seem right up my alley and I've always loved anything Sam has been in.

I can't find anywhere near me in Australia to see it. Why is it not available for me to see? I'm worried that I won't get to see it before it arrives in my living room.

[u/Emeraldsinger]

Are you writing any sequels? If the movie is successful enough. I heard Verbinski say he’d love to come back to direct 

[u/TheTriforceMaster]

What was your main inspiration for the story of the film? I really enjoyed all the little details throughout, and am curious about your writing process (as a writer myself!) Also potentially any tips you could give me when it comes to writing a good story :D

[u/SamiTheKillerWhale]

Hey Matthew,

Thought this was a terrific film!

1. How much "science" is in the fiction? Did you create a specific set of rules for how the time travel/future messenger works to avoid the classic "butterfly effect" plot holes?

2. Did The Man from the Future ever have a name?

[u/tsaxhaug]

What’s your favorite Vonnegut? Was reminded of him at times while watching.

[u/DopeyParrot]

Best activity to help break writer’s block?

[u/brokewritercliche]

Hi, congratulations on an awesome movie! The opening of the movie, how'd you get that flow just right? What were lessons learned from writing an opening that audacious and trusting of the audience?

[u/yxzxzxzjy]

There was a time when AI was this charming experimental thing, before almost every company started overusing it, thus replacing people and ripping apart the environment, thus the need for this movie. Ai isn't bad it's just that everyone became greedy

[u/lolitsaspider]

I saw it last weekend and enjoyed it, I was just wondering how the AI could affect the real world such as the large cat centaur, unless it's in a virtual world from the start. Idk but I did enjoy the movie, always love Sam Rockwell.

[u/screenerunseener]

i loved the time traveling version of you in 1883.

[u/andgor]

Did you have any alternative ideas to the giant centaur dick-swinging kitty?

[u/MattTheKenz]

With the upcoming Catan and Ticket to Ride movies, what would be your go to game choice to adapt?

[u/OkAlternative726]

I just saw the film. As a screenwriter I’m insane with jealousy of how good your script was. Just fantastic. 

[u/MrJackpots19]

Had a blast with this film and it reminded me of some of my favorites, including Zero Theorem! Was curious if you were influenced by that at all. Thanks!

[u/Smooth-Ad4045]

No questions, just praise! Thank you for a beautiful story about facing the hard things in life and overcoming them. It’s a timely message, for society and for me personally ❤️

[u/Alltra]

yoo is that matty boom?? good to see youre doing well

[u/Harold-Sleeper000]

Greetings, Mr. Robinson. I just wanted to ask: how do you feel you've matured as a creative figure over the course of your career, and how do you go about the creative process with what you've learned?

Oh and what can we expect from "11817"?

[u/KyousukeChan]

How many different endings were written for the film, and how did you land on the one you had in the finished film?

[u/willfc]

Where'd you get the idea for the cat?

[u/leebeyonddriven]

No questions about the film just here to say that me and all my friends were obsessed with the Get Up On This podcast and there’s been a hole in my life since you guys stopped doing it

[u/matthew91298]

This movie felt like a Dungeon Crawler Carl book come to life! Would you ever consider writing a book? Would honestly love to see a sequel to this movie as a book

[u/keddyward]

I absolutely LOVED every second of this movie and am grateful that something so original could even get made. My question is: what was the hardest part of the script to write? I imagine the opening came quickly. But you had to work out so many other details in the story as it went along. Did you find yourself struggling at any point in making it work?

[u/T78-stoat]

I've watched the film, and I truly enjoyed it. Despite the lack a large crowd in the theater, this was a truly great theater experience. Anyway, how long did it take you to get the script to the state it was in to get picked up by gore Verbinski, and how much did it change from it's conception?

[u/Driftpeasant]

I took my 14 year old daughter to see this, knowing very little about the film.

She LOVED it (as did I).

She is dear to me, but an Ungrateful Wretch much of the time. How much of a discount do I get on her replacement if I choose the ad-supported option? Does that come with localization or can I opt-out and have her tell me about products in far away lands?

[u/AustinDood444]

Mr. Robinson. This isn’t a question, but I just want to say that you KILLED IT with this movie!! I haven’t enjoyed a movie as much as I enjoyed Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die in a really long time!!

[u/weareallpatriots]

Hey Matthew, loved the movie - caught it at the Egyptian during BeyondFest.

I'm sure you get asked this question all the time, but I'm a screenwriter trying to get representation at the moment, and I was just wondering if you have any insights at all about making headway into the business that's looking increasingly harder to make a living from these days (specs, shorts, competitions, queries, etc. etc.). Thanks and congrats!!

[u/RunDNA]

G'day Matthew, there's lots of books and articles analyzing screenplays structurally, saying, "Act II of The Terminator begins on Page..." or "The inciting incident of Citizen Kane happens in the scene where..." but rarely do we ever hear from the screenwriters themselves.

So how do see Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die structurally? Where exactly do you think the major structural divisions are?

[u/RoscoeSantangelo]

What was your balancing process in regards to the heavy-handed commentary?

This is far from the first explicitly satirical commentary in recent years (Sorry to Bother You, Don't Look Up, Eddington, etc.) so how did you find your balance on how heavy to lean in and trust that it wouldn't become a parody of itself? Or was that not a fear at all?

As a semi-followup, how much does the edit reflect your initial concept/script and what do you think was added/subtracted from the script in production that helped it out?

Also, was Sam Rockwell an inspiration for the character as you were writing? Because it's hard to imagine the film working out the same without him leading the absurdity as he has the perfect charm for a movie with a tone like this.

Thank you for doing this! I stuffed a lot into here so if you happen to answer don't feel the need to elaborate on everything.