Warner Bros. now expects to lose at least $150 million on Digger, the Tom Cruise-led political satire, after its box-office performance continued to decline in its second weekend. The film earned just $3.2 million domestically in the U.S. and Canada over the weekend, a 60% drop from its opening weekend. Globally, Digger has grossed $35.3 million to date, according to studio estimates. Industry analysts project the film’s final worldwide total will reach $50 million, far below the $280 million Warner Bros. spent on production and marketing.
The studio initially budgeted $125 million for Digger, but production delays pushed costs to an estimated $160 million to $180 million. Marketing expenses added another $100 million, bringing the total investment to $280 million. To break even, the film would need to gross $300 million to $350 million, accounting for theater cuts, ancillary revenue, and awards campaign spending.
Digger’s performance marks a sharp contrast to Cruise’s recent franchise successes, including Top Gun: Maverick and Mission: Impossible films. The film’s box-office trajectory has been hindered by polarizing critical reviews, a 53% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and a C+ CinemaScore from opening-night audiences. Analysts also cited challenges in marketing the film due to a major plot twist and Cruise’s unrecognizable appearance in the role of oil tycoon Digger Rockwell.
Warner Bros. has not publicly commented on the film’s financial outlook. The studio’s spokesperson did not respond to requests for clarification on the loss estimates. Digger is the last standalone release from Warner Bros. before its acquisition by Paramount Global.
Historical context: Biggest box-office flops
If Digger loses $245 million, it would rank among the most costly flops in Hollywood history. The current record holder is Disney’s John Carter (2012), which lost $200 million on a $250 million budget. Other notable failures include The Lone Ranger (2013, $160 million loss) and Cutthroat Island (1995, $105 million loss after inflation). Cruise’s prior flop, Lions for Lambs (2007), cost $35 million and earned $69 million globally.
Critical and audience reception
Critics have described Digger as a satirical black comedy with uneven pacing and a divisive tone. The film’s marketing campaign shifted to emphasize audience interpretation, urging viewers to "decide for yourself" after early reviews proved contentious. Despite the financial setback, director Alejandro G. Iñárritu defended the film’s creative vision, stating that Cruise focuses on long-term impact rather than opening-weekend performance.
Industry impact
The film’s struggles reflect broader challenges for Warner Bros., which has faced inconsistent box-office returns this year. Analysts note that mid-budget original films—particularly those with unconventional premises—are increasingly risky in a market dominated by franchises and established intellectual properties.