Digger's polarizing premiere tests Tom Cruise's Oscar bid and box office viability

Key points

• The film stars Tom Cruise as an oil tycoon whose drilling in Greenland causes a global environmental catastrophe, with a cast including Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, and Sandra Hüller.
• Critics are split between calling the film a 'brave masterpiece' and a 'hollow misfire,' with some predicting a 'horrendous' CinemaScore and poor audience reception.
• The film is seen as a significant risk for Cruise's Oscar campaign, as it departs from his usual spectacle-driven roles, potentially alienating voters who reward his physical stunts over dramatic nuance.
• The estimated $130 million budget and mixed reviews have raised concerns about the film's ability to recoup its investment, despite strong praise for its production design and cinematography.

Background

Tom Cruise has been a major movie star for decades, known for his physical stunts and franchise roles like 'Mission: Impossible' and 'Top Gun: Maverick.' He has been nominated for three acting Oscars but has never won, receiving an honorary award in 2025. 'Digger' is his first major dramatic role in years, marking a shift from his spectacle-driven brand. The film's world premiere in London on September 22, 2026, was attended by Prince William and Princess Catherine, marking their first movie premiere appearance since 2022.

How outlets are covering it

The Independent's Jacob Stolworthy describes 'Digger' as a polarizing film that dares audiences to dislike it, calling it an admirable attempt at something different. Variety's Clayton Davis argues that the film's divisive nature might be what Cruise's Oscar campaign needs, as it forces voters to see him as an actor rather than a spectacle. The Hollywood Reporter's James Hibberd notes that while the film is praised for its boldness and Cruise's performance, many critics expect a 'horrendous' CinemaScore and poor box office returns. The sources agree that the film is a significant risk for Cruise, but differ on whether it will help or hurt his Oscar prospects.

Why it matters

The film's reception will determine whether Tom Cruise can successfully transition from a spectacle-driven star to a dramatic actor, potentially impacting his Oscar campaign and the future of his career. It also raises questions about the viability of high-budget, polarizing films in a market that often rewards consensus crowd-pleasers.

What to watch

The film is set to open in theaters on October 2, 2026. The box office performance and audience reception will be crucial in determining the film's success and the viability of Cruise's Oscar campaign. The film's performance at the box office and in the awards season will also impact the careers of the cast and crew, including Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, and Sandra Hüller.