In brief
Tom Cruise’s latest film, ‘Digger’, is sinking fast, with global earnings falling to $35 m against a $280 m investment. Analysts now warn the movie could lose as much as $245 m, marking it as one of the worst financial failures in recent Hollywood history. The film’s second‑weekend drop of 60% starkly contrasts with Cruise’s recent franchise successes. Director Alejandro Iñárritu’s vision did not translate into audiences, and Warner Bros now faces a costly review of its international strategy. The slump coincides with Warner’s recent re‑branding under Paramount, raising questions about the star’s future choices.
Tom Cruise’s satirical black‑comedy Digger is now expected to lose roughly $245 million (£185 million) after its continued poor showing in cinemas.
Ticket sales fell around 60% in the film’s second weekend, taking worldwide takings to just $35 million (£26 million). The movie cost Warner Bros approximately $280 million ($211 million) to produce and market.
In a recent press note, Cruise admitted he had never focused on opening‑week revenue, instead prioritizing long‑term impact. Analysts now say the film needs about $350 million (£264 million) to break even, factoring in theater shares, marketing and awards‑season spend; Warner estimates a slightly lower break‑even point of $300 million ($227 million).
Director Alejandro Iñárritu’s previous work on Birdman and The Revenant shows he can craft visually striking cinema, yet the sharp contrast to Cruise’s franchise hits such as Top Gun 2022 and the Mission: Impossible blockbusters suggests a misfire in tone and audience appeal.
The film’s fall follows Warner Bros’ recent transition into the Paramount group, making Digger the last stand‑alone release under the original studio name.
