In a surprising turn for the action star, Tom Cruise is set to portray a character far removed from his typical high-octane roles in Alejandro G. Iñárritu's upcoming film, "Digger". The movie, slated for an October 2, 2026, release by Warner Bros. Pictures, marks a significant departure for both Cruise and the acclaimed director.
Iñárritu, known for his dramatic and often intense films like "The Revenant" and "Birdman," is venturing into the realm of black comedy with "Digger". The film is described as a "comedy of catastrophic proportions," hinting at a potentially absurd and satirical narrative. Iñárritu himself has called it a "wild comedy" and "a new kind of film".
Cruise will play Digger Rockwell in the film. While plot details are scarce, early speculation suggested the story revolves around a powerful global figure. It was rumored that this figure attempts to convince the world he is humanity's savior, but Iñárritu shot down that suggestion. The official logline states that the most powerful man in the world embarks on a frantic mission to prove that he is humanity's savior before the disaster he's unleashed destroys everything.
The first teaser for "Digger" offers a glimpse into this new direction. The teaser features Cruise, sporting cowboy boots and athletic shorts, dancing with a shovel. The actor appears to be wearing a wig, suggesting his character is losing his hair. The teaser ends with the tagline "In Digger we trust".
"Digger" boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Sandra Hüller, John Goodman, Michael Stuhlbarg, Jesse Plemons, Sophie Wilde, Emma D'Arcy, Robert John Burke, Burn Gorman and Riz Ahmed. The film is co-written by Iñárritu, Sabina Berman, Alexander Dinelaris Jr., and Nicolás Giacobone. Emmanuel Lubezki, a three-time Oscar winner, is the cinematographer.
This project marks Iñárritu's first English-language film since "The Revenant" (2015). For Cruise, "Digger" represents a departure from his recent work in the "Mission: Impossible" and "Top Gun" franchises, marking his first role outside of those franchises since 2017.
Filming for "Digger" began in the United Kingdom on November 7, 2024, and concluded in late April 2025. Principal photography was done on 35mm film using VistaVision.
The collaboration between Cruise and Iñárritu has generated considerable buzz, with many anticipating a unique and potentially groundbreaking film. Some speculate that this role could be Cruise's best chance at winning his first competitive Oscar.
