Del Toro Backs 'Digger' Amid Box Office Slump

Key points

• Guillermo del Toro posted multiple messages on X defending 'Digger' against critical backlash.
• Del Toro described the film as 'daring, bold and cinematically complex' and a necessary theatrical experience.
• The film currently holds a 54% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, with a higher 65% audience score.
• Box office projections for the film are under $15 million domestically, reflecting weak commercial performance.
• Del Toro compared 'Digger' to Ken Russell’s 1971 film 'The Devils,' noting both faced initial criticism for being 'excessive.'
• The director expressed support for Warner Bros. taking creative risks, even during a period of corporate leadership changes.

Background

Our archive indicates that 'Digger' has faced a polarizing reception since its September premiere, with critics divided between praising its audacious vision and criticizing its execution. Previous reports highlighted concerns about the film's commercial viability and its impact on Tom Cruise's 2027 Oscar campaign, as the satirical drama departs from his traditional action-hero image.

Why it matters

The public defense by a major director highlights the tension between critical consensus and artistic ambition in contemporary cinema. It also underscores the commercial risks associated with high-budget, non-traditional films in a market increasingly dominated by franchise-driven spectacles.

What to watch

The film will continue its theatrical run, with its ultimate box office performance and audience reception likely to determine its future availability on streaming platforms like HBO Max. Del Toro’s next project, 'The Buried Giant,' is also in development for Netflix.