Tom Cruise is reportedly entirely stunned by the dismal opening weekend numbers for his latest film, Digger, after genuinely believing audiences would embrace the dark comedy. Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Alejandro González Iñárritu and carrying an upwards of $180 million production budget, the movie grossed just $8 million at the U.S. box office, according to Variety.
The Bottom Line
- Tom Cruise’s dark comedy Digger, directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, grossed a meager $8 million domestically during its opening weekend against an upwards of $180 million production budget.
- A source told In Touch that Cruise is “totally stunned” and “genuinely believed people would love it,” though he remains hopeful for Academy recognition.
- The cinematic underperformance coincides with personal turbulence for the 64-year-old actor, including his split from Ana de Armas and legal name changes involving his daughter Suri.
The Box Office Reality Behind Alejandro González Iñárritu’s $180 Million Gamble
The stark financial failure of Digger marks a misstep for the star. Industry observers tracking the release noted that the dark comedy struggled to connect with ticket buyers. The project, helmed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, cost upwards of $180 million to produce, according to Variety.
Despite the steep deficit between production costs and ticket sales, insiders indicate that the actor maintains faith in the artistic merits of the project. “He still believes in the film passionately and he is still holding out hope he’ll get recognized by the Academy,” a source told In Touch. “But it’s clear to everyone that he’s totally devastated by the public’s reaction to this film.”
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Alejandro González Iñárritu |
| Estimated Production Budget | Upwards of $180 Million |
| U.S. Opening Weekend Gross | $8 Million |
| Primary Outlet Reporting | In Touch / Variety |
Personal Turmoil and Public Separation Complicate the Star’s Difficult Season
The cinematic setback arrives alongside significant personal headwinds for the 64-year-old actor. Cruise’s love life has fizzled out following a split from Ana de Armas in 2025. “Things didn’t work out with Ana, which was a huge disappointment,” the source admitted.
Further compounding the personal strain is the ongoing situation involving his 20-year-old daughter, Suri, whom he shares with ex-wife Katie Holmes. Earlier this year, People reported that Suri, a student at Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Mellon University, legally dropped Cruise as her last name to use her mother’s middle name, Noelle. “That situation is incredibly painful for him and the fact that it’s all played out so publicly only makes it worse,” the source explained. “He really needed a big win with his career right now and instead he’s got what is shaping up to be his first flop.”
Support Systems Rally Around the Actor Amid Professional and Personal Strain
While facing a confluence of professional headwinds and family estrangement, Cruise continues to rely on a tight-knit circle for support. The star, who shares children Isabella, 33, and Connor, 31, with ex-wife Nicole Kidman, has seen close associates step in during the rough patch.
“He’s got plenty of friends rallying around him,” the source noted, pointing to figures like David Beckham. Even so, the personal and professional convergence leaves the actor in a vulnerable spot. “There’s only so much they can do. Fact is, he’s struggling right now.”
