Hollywood
Tom Cruise’s ‘Digger’ Sets Fall 2026 Theatrical Release
Warner Bros. and Legendary Entertainment have officially unveiled “Digger,” the hotly anticipated new film starring Tom Cruise and directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, with a prime theatrical release date locked for October 2, 2026. Accompanied by a striking first poster and teaser, the film is boldly billed as “a comedy of catastrophic proportions,” signaling a sharp tonal pivot for Cruise and a provocative return for Iñárritu.
The project marks Tom Cruise’s first film under his newly signed deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, making it one of the studio’s most closely watched releases on its upcoming slate.
A Major Reunion With an Oscar-Winning Visionary
“Digger” is Iñárritu’s first English-language feature since The Revenant and follows his acclaimed yet divisive 2022 film Bardo: False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths. The Mexico-born filmmaker, a four-time Oscar winner, co-wrote the screenplay with longtime collaborators Nicolas Giacobone and Alexander Dinelaris (Birdman), alongside *Sabina Berman.
The film was shot over six months in the U.K., with Tom Cruise and Alejandro González Iñárritu both producing—a rare creative partnership between two industry heavyweights known for their meticulous control and ambition.
Tom Cruise’s in Alejandro González Iñárritu’s ‘Digger’
Tom Cruise as the ‘Most Powerful Man in the World’
While plot details remain deliberately vague, Warner Bros. describes Tom Cruise’s character, Digger Rockwell, as “the most powerful man in the world” who embarks on a desperate mission to prove he is humanity’s savior—before a catastrophe of his own making destroys everything.
Early teaser footage hints at an uncharacteristically unpolished Tom Cruise, dancing in cowboy boots with a shovel, disheveled and unpredictable—suggesting a performance far removed from his recent action-hero persona in Mission: Impossible and Top Gun: Maverick. Iñárritu has described the film as “wild,” “insane,” and showcasing a range from Cruise that surprised even him.
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A Prestige Ensemble Cast and Awards-Season Timing
Joining Cruise is a formidable ensemble including Sandra Hüller, John Goodman, Michael Stuhlbarg, Jesse Plemons, Sophie Wilde, and Emma D’Arcy, positioning “Digger” as a serious awards contender.
The October 2 release date is a coveted slot historically associated with prestige films and Oscar runs. Industry buzz suggests the film could debut at the Venice Film Festival, where Alejandro González Iñárritu has premiered multiple past works, including Birdman and Bardo. With Iñárritu’s strong ties to both Venice and Cannes, a high-profile festival launch appears likely.
A Career-Pivot Moment for Tom Cruise?
After decades defined by box-office dominance and franchise spectacle, “Digger” may represent a creative reinvention for Tom Cruise—one that leans into dark comedy, political satire, and character-driven chaos.
If the early promise holds, “Digger” could become one of 2026’s most talked-about films, blending auteur filmmaking with A-list star power in explosive fashion.
