In one of the most anticipated cinematic pairings of the year, the first full trailer for Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s Digger has arrived, showcasing Tom Cruise in what early buzz describes as a transformative, nearly unrecognizable role. The film, a satirical black comedy of “catastrophic proportions,” hits theaters on October 2, 2026.
Digger follows Digger Rockwell (Tom Cruise), the most powerful CEO in the world — a larger-than-life tycoon whose unchecked ambition unleashes a global disaster. As the world teeters on the brink of collapse, Rockwell embarks on a frantic, high-stakes mission to position himself as humanity’s savior before the catastrophe he created destroys everything in its path.
The premise blends biting corporate satire with pulse-pounding action and dark humor, promising a sharp commentary on power, accountability, and ego in the modern world. Iñárritu, the Oscar-winning director of Birdman, The Revenant, and Amores Perros, co-wrote the script with Sabina Berman, Alexander Dinelaris Jr., and Nicolás Giacobone, marking his first English-language feature since The Revenant.
The trailer — which reportedly builds on a recent retrospective of Cruise’s iconic career moments before diving into new footage — highlights Cruise’s commitment to the role. Sources from CinemaCon described him as sporting heavy makeup, a big belly, comb-over, and a thick Southern accent, portraying a deranged, cat-loving billionaire far removed from his typical action-hero persona.
This marks a fresh direction for Cruise, who also serves as a producer. Early reactions praise the performance as “unlike anything he’s done before” and potentially award-worthy.
Star-Studded Ensemble and Production
Joining Cruise is an impressive supporting cast:
- Sandra Hüller
- Jesse Plemons
- Riz Ahmed
- Sophie Wilde
- Emma D’Arcy
- John Goodman (as the President of the United States)
- Michael Stuhlbarg
- Burn Gorman
- Robert John Burke
- And others, including Mercedes Hernández.
Behind the camera, Iñárritu reunites with frequent collaborators, including cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki (shooting on 35mm film with VistaVision) and editor Stephen Mirrione. The $125 million production, backed by Warner Bros., Legendary Pictures, and others, wrapped principal photography in the UK in spring 2025.
The marketing campaign has been clever and layered. A teaser dropped late 2025, followed by CinemaCon footage set to Dire Straits’ “Money for Nothing.” The recent “Tom Cruise Retrospective” trailer built massive hype, and today’s full trailer release (July 13) comes amid fan events and social media excitement from Cruise himself.
Expect Digger to deliver Iñárritu’s signature intensity mixed with Cruise’s signature spectacle — all wrapped in sharp satire. Whether you’re in it for the laughs, the thrills, or the timely commentary on billionaire influence, this one looks poised to dig deep into theaters this fall.
Mark your calendars: Digger arrives in theaters and IMAX on October 2, 2026.
