Tom Cruise Film Digger Bombs
Alejandro G. Iñárritu's satire opens to $8 million in North America, a major disappointment for Warner Bros. The film's production budget was $125 million, with some estimates as high as $180 million. Digger added $12 million internationally.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
Tom Cruise's new film Digger has opened to a disappointing $8 million in North America. The satirical black comedy was released in 3,300 theaters, making it Cruise's softest opening frame since 2007's Lions for Lambs.
The film's production budget was $125 million, although some estimates put it as high as $180 million. A studio representative disputes the higher figure.
Digger received a C+ CinemaScore from audiences and has polarized critics, with a 51 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film's awards prospects now seem unlikely.
Third-party tracking services initially suggested Digger could open to $30 million, but interest appeared to crumble in the 10 days leading up to release.
The film's poor performance comes as Warner Bros. prepares for a merger with Paramount Skydance, expected to be finalized on October 6. Warner Bros. film chiefs Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy are also exiting the studio.
Digger will likely result in a significant financial loss for Warner Bros. The studio had projected an opening of $12 million to $15 million.
Tom Cruise will next appear in action-heavy, IP-driven movies, a departure from the auteur-forward fare of Digger.
Key facts
- Digger opened to $8 million in North America
- The film's production budget was $125 million
- Digger received a C+ CinemaScore from audiences
- The film has a 51 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes
Three perspectives
Neutral
The poor performance of Digger is a setback for Warner Bros. ahead of its merger with Paramount Skydance. The film's failure may impact the studio's future projects. Warner Bros. will likely reassess its strategy after the merger.
Positive
Despite the poor opening, Tom Cruise remains a bankable star, and his next projects are likely to perform well. The film's unique concept and satire may still appeal to some audiences.
Negative
The failure of Digger is a significant blow to Warner Bros. and may lead to changes in the studio's leadership and strategy. The film's poor reception may also impact Alejandro G. Iñárritu's future projects.
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