Summary (tl;dr)

A new trailer for "Digger," a satirical black comedy starring Tom Cruise and directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, has been released, generating significant buzz for the unexpected role and its October 2, 2026 release.

Essential Background

"Digger" was initially announced in February 2024, revealing Academy Award-winning director Alejandro G. Iñárritu's involvement and Tom Cruise in the leading role. The film's official title and a brief teaser were unveiled in December 2025, hinting at a "comedy of catastrophic proportions". Principal photography for the film, a co-production between the United States, United Kingdom, and Mexico, commenced around October or November 2024 in the U.K..

The Full Story

Today, July 13, 2026, Warner Bros. Pictures debuted the first full-length official trailer for "Digger," a satirical black comedy slated for release on October 2, 2026. The trailer features Tom Cruise in a highly transformative and unconventional role as Digger Rockwell, a powerful and eccentric oil tycoon who inadvertently triggers a global ecological disaster. Rockwell is subsequently tasked by the President, portrayed by John Goodman, to mitigate the catastrophe he unleashed. Cruise's portrayal, complete with a grey combover, a prosthetic belly, and a pronounced Southern accent, marks a significant departure from his more familiar action-hero roles. The film, which boasts an ensemble cast including Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Sandra Hüller, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Jesse Plemons, draws comparisons to "Dr. Strangelove" for its dark humor and pointed social commentary on the climate crisis and the influence of the oil industry. Prior to the trailer's release, Cruise attended an event in Los Angeles, speaking to press and fans about the uniquely challenging and original nature of the project. The movie was notably filmed using the high-definition VistaVision 35mm format.

Why It Matters

The intense public interest in "Digger" is driven by the highly anticipated and unusual collaboration between acclaimed auteur director Alejandro G. Iñárritu and global superstar Tom Cruise, who is taking on a role that drastically deviates from his established action-oriented persona. This unexpected casting and narrative direction have generated considerable excitement, positioning the film as a potential contender during awards season, especially given Cruise's recent honorary Academy Award in 2025 and his long-standing pursuit of a competitive Oscar. The film's satirical exploration of the climate crisis and the oil industry, combined with its distinguished cast and unique visual aesthetic, marks it as a significant cinematic event that is captivating both entertainment enthusiasts and those interested in its societal implications.

Geographic Location

• Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States (Tom Cruise spoke to press and fans at an event)
• Alaska, United States (setting for Digger Rockwell's oil drilling operation and ecological catastrophe)
• United Kingdom (filming began here)