Tom Cruise’s Digger Gets Mixed Reviews Ahead of India Release

Hollywood star Tom Cruise returns to theatres with Digger, an unconventional climate satire directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Alejandro González Iñárritu. The film begins its international theatrical rollout on September 30, 2026, before arriving in North American theatres on October 2. In India, Digger is also scheduled to release on October 2.

The film marks an unusual collaboration between Cruise and Iñárritu, with Cruise taking on one of the most eccentric roles of his career. He plays Digger Rockwell, a wealthy Texas oil tycoon whose business activities contribute to an environmental catastrophe. After a massive ice shelf breaks away from Greenland and threatens Europe, Digger attempts to position himself as humanity’s saviour while dealing with political leaders and scientists.

Cruise appears almost unrecognisable in the role, using prosthetic makeup to portray the ageing oil magnate. At the film’s London premiere, the actor described Digger as “totally outrageous” and unlike any character he had previously played.

The supporting cast includes Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Sandra Hüller, Michael Stuhlbarg and Jesse Plemons. Goodman plays the US president, while Ahmed portrays environmental adviser Ganesh. The film was written by Iñárritu, Alexander Dinelaris, Nicolás Giacobone and Sabina Berman, with Jez Butterworth also credited for the story.

Digger was reportedly made on a $125 million budget and was shot entirely in VistaVision, with cinematography by Oscar winner Emmanuel Lubezki. The production is designed as a visually ambitious mix of environmental satire, dark comedy and surrealism.

However, early reviews have been sharply divided. Rotten Tomatoes currently lists the film at around 52% from more than 100 reviews. Some critics have praised Cruise’s commitment, the film’s striking visuals and its ambition, while others have criticised its heavy-handed satire, exaggerated characters and unconventional storytelling.

With Digger now reaching audiences worldwide, attention will turn from the early critical response to how moviegoers react to Cruise’s bold departure from his familiar action-star image.