Hathaway's 'Verity' Set to Top Box Office as 'Digger' Fails

Key points

• 'Verity' is projected to open with $30-35 million from 3,510 theaters, marking Hathaway's third No. 1 release of 2026.
• The film, adapted from a Colleen Hoover novel, has a $40 million budget and stars Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett.
• Tom Cruise and Alejandro González Iñárritu's 'Digger' is projected to debut with $12-15 million from 3,300 screens, signaling a major box office failure.
• 'Digger' had a budget that reportedly climbed to $160-180 million, though Warner Bros. disputes these figures.
• The release coincides with the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger, which is set to close next week.
• Hathaway's red carpet appearance at the 'Verity' premiere went viral after she directed photographers during the group photo.

Background

Colleen Hoover's novels have seen consistent success in film adaptations, with 'It Ends With Us' grossing $350 million globally in 2024. 'Verity' follows 'Regretting You' (2025) and 'Reminders of Him' (2026). Anne Hathaway has had a prolific 2026, starring in five major films, including 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' and 'The Odyssey.'

How outlets are covering it

Variety emphasizes the financial contrast between 'Verity' and 'Digger,' noting that 'Digger' could be one of the year's biggest bombs and that Warner Bros. has begun embracing negative press. Fox News focuses on the viral red carpet moment, highlighting Hathaway's leadership and the public's positive reaction to her efficiency. Both sources agree on the box office projections but differ in their emphasis on the cultural versus financial impact of the releases.

Why it matters

The box office performance of 'Verity' and 'Digger' illustrates the shifting dynamics in the film industry, particularly the success of low-budget adaptations versus high-budget blockbusters. The timing of 'Digger's' release, just before the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger, adds a layer of financial and strategic significance to its performance.

What to watch

The Paramount-Warner Bros. merger is set to close next week. Amazon MGM is expected to benefit from 'Verity's' success, while Warner Bros. faces continued scrutiny over its 2026 slate. Future releases from both studios will be watched closely for their box office performance.