Image Source: The New York Times
Digger is heading toward one of the most disappointing box-office openings of 2026, despite starring Tom Cruise and being directed by two-time Oscar winner Alejandro G. Iñárritu. The R-rated black comedy earned only $1.2 million US from previews and is projected to collect between $12 million and $15 million domestically during its opening weekend.
The early figures represent a serious setback for Warner Bros., which backed the ambitious film after its production budget reportedly grew far beyond its original estimate. According to Variety, the movie’s costs increased from approximately $125 million US to somewhere between $160 million and $180 million. Once marketing expenses are included, analysts estimate that the film may need to earn around $350 million to break even.
Warner Bros. has disputed that figure, telling Variety that its actual break-even point is closer to $300 million. Even that lower target now appears difficult to reach unless the movie develops unusually strong word of mouth, performs exceptionally well overseas or finds a large streaming audience.
Digger Faces a Brutal Box-Office Reality
The film’s commercial challenge was visible from the beginning. Digger tells the bizarre story of an oil tycoon forced to confront a global catastrophe caused by his own drilling. Its surreal premise, bleak humour and experimental style made it a difficult movie to market to mainstream audiences.
Warner Bros. also chose to skip the major festival circuit, a strategy that allowed the studio to avoid early reviews but left the film without a traditional wave of prestige publicity. Instead, the release relied heavily on Cruise’s star power and the expectation that his fans would turn out for his first non-franchise film since 2017’s American Made.
That gamble has not paid off so far. The Hollywood Reporter reported that Warner Bros. is expecting a domestic opening of only $12 million to $15 million. For a production with such a substantial budget, the result would be considered a major commercial disappointment.
Polarizing Reviews Add to the Pressure
Critical reaction has been sharply divided. Some reviewers have praised Cruise’s performance and Iñárritu’s willingness to take bold creative risks. Others have described the movie as confusing, self-indulgent and difficult to connect with.
The Boston Globe called Digger the worst movie of Cruise’s career, while RogerEbert.com characterized it as a “metafictional morass.” The New York Times described it as a lumbering and expensive production. In response to the criticism, the film’s producers released an advertisement showing Cruise’s character angrily attacking movie critics.
Still, even several positive reviews suggested that Digger might be too strange and unconventional to recover its costs. CBC film critic Jackson Weaver praised Cruise’s work while acknowledging that the movie’s surreal tone could alienate audiences.
Warner Bros. Endures a Difficult Year
The film’s expected performance comes during a challenging period for Warner Bros. The studio enjoyed a strong 2025, with successful releases including Sinners, Weapons and One Battle After Another. Its 2026 schedule, however, has delivered more modest results.
Although Wuthering Heights, Lee Cronin’s The Mummy and Evil Dead Burn posted positive numbers, no Warner Bros. release has earned more than $100 million US domestically this year. Other underperformers, including The Bride!, Supergirl, The End of Oak Street and Practical Magic 2, have added to the studio’s growing concerns.
- Reported Digger budget: $160 million to $180 million US
- Preview earnings: $1.2 million US
- Projected opening weekend: $12 million to $15 million US
- Estimated break-even point: Approximately $300 million to $350 million US
At the high end of the estimates, Digger could join 2026’s most serious flops, including Melania and Desert Warrior. The latter reportedly earned less than $1 million against a budget of approximately $150 million.
A Risky Release Before a Major Merger
Digger is also arriving at a sensitive moment for Warner Bros. The movie is the studio’s final release before Paramount completes its acquisition of Warner Bros. on Tuesday. The Hollywood Reporter has also suggested that film chiefs Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy may not remain with the company following the merger.
That timing has raised questions about the future of ambitious, director-driven projects inside the new conglomerate. If Digger becomes a major loss, executives may become more cautious about funding expensive films with unconventional stories and limited mainstream appeal.
There may still be a second life for the movie. Cruise’s global popularity could help Digger perform more strongly on streaming platforms, while his acclaimed performance has sparked speculation about a possible Academy Awards campaign. For now, however, the film’s theatrical future looks increasingly bleak.
Digger FAQs
What is Digger about?
Digger is an R-rated black comedy about an oil tycoon who must confront a global catastrophe caused by his own drilling activities.
Who stars in Digger?
Tom Cruise leads the cast. The film is directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, known for Birdman and The Revenant.
How much did Digger earn in previews?
Digger earned approximately $1.2 million US from preview screenings before its opening weekend.
Why is Digger expected to lose money?
Its reported production budget rose to between $160 million and $180 million, while its projected domestic opening is only $12 million to $15 million.
Could Digger succeed on streaming?
Possibly. Tom Cruise’s strong international profile and the film’s unusual premise could attract viewers after its theatrical run, even if its box-office performance remains weak.
