Tom Cruise is set to star in Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s new film, Digger, which opens on October 2, 2026. The film, described as an apocalyptic dark comedy, features Cruise as a powerful man racing against time to avert a disaster of his own making.
Why it matters: Cruise’s role in Digger marks a departure from his recent franchise-heavy projects, offering audiences a glimpse into his intense character-driven performances.
Directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, known for acclaimed films like Birdman and The Revenant, Digger showcases Cruise in a unique narrative.
The film features an ensemble cast, including Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Sandra Hüller, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Jesse Plemons.
Shot entirely in VistaVision, Digger will be available in conventional theaters and IMAX.
Driving the news: The final trailer for Digger was released recently, building anticipation ahead of its international debut on September 30, 2026.
In the film, Cruise plays Digger Rockwell, a character on a frantic mission to convince humanity he is its savior.
Press screenings for Digger are scheduled ahead of its world premiere in London on September 22, 2026.
Early box office projections estimate a $20 million domestic opening for the film.
State of play: As Cruise promotes Digger, he acknowledges his reputation for intensity on film sets.
In a recent GQ interview, Cruise admitted, "I work hard" and expects a lot from his collaborators.
He shared that he often tells crew members, "Trust me, the rumors are true," about his demanding nature.
His intense approach has been a defining feature of his career, helping him excel in various roles.
The big picture: The competitive nature of the upcoming awards season adds pressure to Cruise’s performance in Digger.
With a strong lineup of contenders for the Best Actor Oscar, Cruise faces stiff competition, including John Malkovich and Matt Damon.
Comparisons to last year’s film One Battle After Another, which opened with $22 million and grossed over $200 million, highlight the stakes for Digger.
Both films share a similar budget range of $130-150 million and come from the same studio, Warner Bros.
What they're saying: Cruise's candid acknowledgment of his work ethic resonates with many in the industry.
“When I’m working with people, I’m not afraid to look foolish,” Cruise stated, emphasizing the collaborative nature of filmmaking.
His commitment to preparation is evident, having even created a six-hour instructional video about screen acting for aspiring performers.
His intense demeanor was publicly visible during the production of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, when leaked audio captured him confronting crew members over COVID-19 protocols.
By the numbers: The financial outlook for Digger is a topic of interest as the release date approaches.
As of September 15, 2026, early tracking suggests a $20 million domestic debut, which some analysts deem underwhelming.
Previous films by Iñárritu have had varying degrees of box office success, raising questions about Digger's potential.
The film’s international release begins on September 30, 2026, just days before its North American premiere.
What's next: Cruise is expected to engage in a high-profile press tour leading up to the film's release.
He has scheduled appearances on popular shows, including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and The Jennifer Hudson Show.
During his promotional activities, Cruise will likely continue discussing his intense work style and the challenges of portraying complex characters.
The film's premiere on October 2, 2026, will be closely watched by fans and critics alike.
As Tom Cruise prepares for the release of Digger, his reputation as a dedicated and intense actor continues to shape audience expectations. The film promises to deliver a unique blend of dark comedy and drama, with Cruise at the helm of what could be a defining performance in his illustrious career.