Tom Cruise’s ‘Digger’ Faces Disappointing Box Office Debut

Hollywood icon and producer Tom Cruise experienced a rare setback with his latest film, a dark comedy titled “Digger.” Despite expectations, the movie had one of the weakest openings of Cruise’s career. The film’s box office performance drew attention as it marked the end of Warner Bros. as a standalone studio.

Cruise received acclaim for his decision to keep Paramount’s “Top Gun: Maverick” out of streaming services during the pandemic, resulting in a theatrical release that grossed $1.5 billion globally. His reputation as the studio’s reliable star for blockbuster properties remains intact.

However, “Digger,” directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, earned $8 million domestically and $12 million internationally. This result contrasts with the film’s reported production cost of $125 million to $150 million and marketing expenses of $100 million.

“The timing adds an interesting layer to the story, but one movie doesn’t erase decades of success or the value he brings to a studio,” said Paul Dergarabedian, head of trends at Rentrak, to Fox News Digital.

Despite this disappointment, Dergarabedian expressed confidence that studios would still seek to collaborate with Cruise. The film industry considers him a valuable asset.

Competing films included Amazon MGM’s “Verity,” which debuted with $32.6 million, leading the weekend’s box office. Sony’s “Resident Evil” adaptation followed with $12.5 million, while Paramount’s “Heart of the Beast” earned $11 million. “Primetime” and “Digger” rounded out the top performers.

Critics weren’t impressed with “Digger,” assigning it a 51% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Cruise engaged in promotional activities, including a GQ interview and attending the film’s London premiere, which welcomed notable guests such as Prince William, Princess Catherine, and David Beckham.

Despite the film’s lackluster results, the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance in a $110 billion deal highlights monumental industry shifts.

Dergarabedian emphasized that the outcome would not tarnish Cruise’s status in Hollywood. “Digger” wasn’t designed as a traditional Cruise blockbuster, and its performance doesn’t alter the industry’s desire to work with him.