UPDATE: Tom Cruise’s highly anticipated film Digger is making headlines with a staggering budget of $125 million, as reported by Puck’s Matthew Belloni. This monumental figure raises questions about its box office viability as the film gears up for its theatrical release on October 2, 2026.
Directed by the acclaimed Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Digger centers on “the most powerful man in the world” who orchestrates a disaster to position himself as humanity’s savior. The star-studded cast includes Riz Ahmed, Emma D’Arcy, Jesse Plemons, John Goodman, and Sandra Hüller, fueling excitement among fans and industry insiders alike.
Belloni’s report draws parallels with One Battle After Another, a film from director Paul Thomas Anderson that faced significant financial challenges despite critical acclaim. With a reported budget between $130 million and $175 million, it grossed just $205 million worldwide, resulting in a loss of approximately $100 million for Warner Bros.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for Digger. As an R-rated original feature, it faces an uphill battle in an unpredictable box office climate. The film is already being compared to the previous year’s cinematic heavyweight, One Battle After Another, raising concerns about whether it can achieve the ticket sales necessary to break even.
Experts believe that Iñárritu’s collaboration with writers Alexander Dinelaris, Nicolás Giacobone, and Sabina Berman, all of whom contributed to his Oscar-winning film Birdman, adds significant weight to the project’s potential. The film’s ambitious premise and star power make it a focal point for awards season speculation for 2027.
Warner Bros. is banking on Digger to not only recover its investment but also to emerge as a contender for prestigious accolades, possibly competing against films like The Social Reckoning and The Odyssey. The studio has recently enjoyed a successful summer box office, but the trend of investing heavily in films for awards recognition raises eyebrows.
As anticipation builds, audiences are left wondering if Digger can rewrite the narrative surrounding high-budget films struggling to find profitability. The film’s unique storyline and talented ensemble cast offer a glimmer of hope, but only time will tell if it can overcome the financial hurdles that have plagued recent big-budget releases.
Stay tuned for further updates on Digger as it approaches its release date, and consider the implications of its budget on the future of original films in Hollywood.
