Tom Cruise’s latest film, Digger, debuted at the U.S. and Canadian box office with $8 million in its opening weekend, placing it fifth among new releases. The Warner Bros. production, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, faced a challenging theatrical launch following polarizing early reviews and a reportedly difficult marketing campaign. Globally, the film earned $20 million in its first weekend, raising concerns about its financial viability given its $125 million production budget.
The film’s performance marks a rare misfire for Cruise, whose last major box office disappointment came with Lions for Lambs in 2007. Industry analysts suggest the film may struggle to recoup its costs, potentially resulting in a significant loss for Warner Bros. A representative for the studio did not respond to requests for comment.
In contrast, Verity—the Anne Hathaway-led adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel—debuted at the top of the box office with $32.6 million domestically and $62.5 million worldwide, outperforming Digger by a wide margin. The stark contrast in performance underscores the challenges Warner Bros. has faced in 2025, following a string of hits in previous years such as Sinners and Weapons.
The film’s release coincides with the impending $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance, set to finalize on Tuesday. The merger has already triggered management changes, including the exits of film chiefs Pam Abdy and Michael De Luca, who oversaw the studio’s mixed slate of successes and failures over the past four years. Industry observers anticipate substantial restructuring, including potential layoffs, as a result of the deal.
Tom Cruise, who stars in and produced Digger, publicly expressed pride in the film’s creation despite its commercial and critical challenges. In an Instagram post, he thanked the cast and crew, stating, “I am so honored to have had the opportunity to create this film alongside such talented artists. I'm so proud of what we created.” The actor’s remarks followed reports of the film’s underwhelming opening weekend, which fell below industry predictions ranging from $10 million to $26 million.
Digger is a satirical black comedy in which Cruise portrays a wealthy oil tycoon through extensive prosthetics and makeup. The film’s dark tone and Iñárritu’s direction have drawn mixed reactions from audiences and critics alike. The project’s high budget and high-profile pedigree contrast sharply with its lackluster box office performance, raising questions about the future of mid-budget studio films in an increasingly competitive market.