Summary
- Tom Cruise plays eccentric oil tycoon Digger Rockwell
- The character must confront an ecological disaster caused by his company
- The film is directed by Alejandro G.
- Iñárritu
- The cast includes Jesse Plemons, Sandra Hüller, Riz Ahmed and John Goodman
- Digger opens in theaters on October 2, 2026
Tom Cruise looks almost unrecognizable in the first full trailer for “Digger,” the new dark comedy directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu.
The actor plays Digger Rockwell, an eccentric oil billionaire who attempts to present himself as humanity’s savior while facing a global ecological catastrophe caused by one of his company’s projects.
The film marks a rare departure for Cruise from major action movies and established franchises, giving him a satirical and heavily transformative role under the direction of one of contemporary cinema’s most acclaimed filmmakers.
Tom Cruise’s transformation
In the trailer, Cruise appears with gray hair, altered facial features, additional body weight and a strong Southern American accent. His appearance was created through extensive prosthetic work, taking him far away from the image of the tireless action hero he has cultivated over the past several decades.
Digger Rockwell is presented as a powerful, eccentric and deeply self-important businessman. Despite the scale of the disaster threatening the planet, he appears convinced that he is the only person capable of fixing the situation.
The central contradiction between the man responsible for the crisis and the self-appointed savior forms the foundation of Iñárritu’s satire.
A comedy of catastrophic proportions
“Digger” is described as an absurdist dark comedy in which environmental crisis, financial power and the arrogance of the wealthy are combined with elements of political and social satire.
According to what is revealed in the trailer, a failed drilling project has caused an impending disaster valued at $18 trillion. Rockwell launches a frantic attempt to contain the consequences while continuing to insist that he is acting for the benefit of all humanity.
Images of natural disasters, references to nuclear waste and the protagonist’s exaggerated behavior suggest that the film will move between black humor, drama and apocalyptic comedy.
Iñárritu returns to English-language cinema
“Digger” is Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s first English-language feature film since 2015’s “The Revenant.”
The Mexican filmmaker also co-wrote the screenplay with Alexander Dinelaris, Nicolás Giacobone and Sabina Berman. Dinelaris and Giacobone previously collaborated with him on the Oscar-winning “Birdman,” another film that combined satire with existential and dramatic elements.
Cinematography is handled by Emmanuel Lubezki, Iñárritu’s longtime collaborator and a three-time Academy Award winner. The production was shot entirely on 35mm film using the VistaVision format.
The major cast of Digger
Alongside Tom Cruise, the cast includes Jesse Plemons, Sandra Hüller, Riz Ahmed, Sophie Wilde, Emma D’Arcy, Michael Stuhlbarg and John Goodman.
Goodman plays the president of the United States, while Ahmed appears as one of his aides. The involvement of performers with extensive experience in both drama and dark comedy reinforces the film’s identity as a major production with a strongly satirical direction.
Cruise also serves as a producer alongside Iñárritu and Mary Parent.
When the film will be released
“Digger” is scheduled to open in theaters on October 2, 2026, with distribution by Warner Bros. Pictures.
The film is also expected to screen in IMAX theaters, taking advantage of Lubezki’s cinematography and the production’s large visual scale.
It is Cruise’s first major role outside the “Mission: Impossible” and “Top Gun” franchises since 2017’s “American Made.”
What we think
“Digger” appears to give Tom Cruise an opportunity to remind audiences that his abilities extend far beyond spectacular action sequences. His collaboration with Iñárritu, the bold physical transformation and the story’s satirical character create the conditions for one of the most unpredictable performances of his career.
Frequently asked questions
Who does Tom Cruise play in Digger?
He plays Digger Rockwell, a powerful and eccentric oil tycoon who must confront an ecological catastrophe caused by his own company.
Who directed Digger?
The film is directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu.
When will Digger be released?
The film is scheduled to open in theaters on October 2, 2026.
Who else is in the cast?
The cast includes Jesse Plemons, Sandra Hüller, Riz Ahmed, Sophie Wilde, Emma D’Arcy, Michael Stuhlbarg and John Goodman.
What kind of film is Digger?
It is a satirical dark comedy combining environmental catastrophe, political power and the arrogance of the ultra-wealthy.
