Warner Bros.
The first reactions to Tom Cruise’s upcoming film Digger have hit the internet following a reported test screening in Los Angeles. Directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Digger will be Cruise’s first non-action film since 2017’s American Made.
Set to be released on October 2, 2026, Digger is a clear award season play for Tom Cruise, who hasn’t been nominated for an Academy Award since 2000 (although he was awarded an honorary Oscar last year).
Based on the early reactions, the Hollywood icon may be the award season contender he’s hoping to be, with the first reactions particularly praising his performance in the film, which has has also been compared to Stanley Kubrick’s legendary Dr. Strangelove.
The first reactions to Tom Cruise’s upcoming drama Digger have hit the internet; film compared to Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove
“One source called the movie ‘awesome,’ noting that it starts with Cruise as a Texan oil tycoon whose rig causes a catastrophic spill, sparking a potential global disaster. Suddenly convinced that fate has called him to save the world, Digger embarks on a chaotic, often hilarious, and wildly over-the-top mission to save it—meeting with the planet’s most powerful figures, including the President of the United States (Goodman). Think Dr. Strangelove, but made for the 21st century,” reported World of Reel.
“One person who thought it was all too much, describing the film as ‘overstuffed and chaotic,’ with Cruise’s larger-than-life antics bordering on cartoonish, but still liking his ‘wild’ performance. They admitted the technical aspects were stunning, and the ensemble cast delivered, but felt the sheer scale of the catastrophes and dark comedy overwhelmed them. Even so, they added, ‘It’s impossible not to be fascinated—it’s a mess in the best possible way.'”
“Iñárritu’s direction is also getting big props for its inventive framing and blocking, but it’s Tom Cruise who seems to be stealing the show. An attendee was buzzing that his transformation—aging makeup, prosthetic nose, a pot belly, combed-over hair, a very thick Southern accent, shades of Les Grossman—will ‘be talked about a lot.'”
“Digger” had a test screening this week in Los Angeles……..
First reactions > #TomCruise#Inarritu https://t.co/ut2jp3Qniz pic.twitter.com/b6LkbEvnw2— Tom Cruise News (@TCNews62) March 6, 2026
Alongside Cruise, Digger is set to star Jesse Plemons, Sandra Hüller, Riz Ahmed, Sophie Wilde, Emma D’Arcy, Robert John Burke, Burn Gorman, Michael Stuhlbarg, and John Goodman.