In a major announcement for global cinema, the highly anticipated collaboration between superstar Tom Cruise and Oscar-winning director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu finally has a title and a release window. Warner Bros. has unveiled that the film, now officially named 'Digger,' is scheduled to hit theatres worldwide on October 2, 2026.
First Look and Star-Studded Details Revealed
The studio released the first-look poster and a brief teaser, offering a glimpse into the project described as "a comedy of catastrophic proportions." The teaser features Tom Cruise in a characteristically dynamic pose, dancing with a shovel on the edge of a massive skyscraper. Cruise himself shared the reveal on his Instagram, captioning it with, "In Digger we trust. DIGGER. A comedy of catastrophic proportions. Only in theatres October 2026."
This film marks a significant return for Inarritu to English-language cinema, his first since directing Leonardo DiCaprio in the acclaimed 2015 survival drama 'The Revenant.' Inarritu is directing and producing 'Digger,' working from a script he co-wrote in 2023 with his 'Birdman' collaborators Nicolas Giacobone and Alexander Dinelaris, plus Sabina Berman.
Plot, Cast, and Production Insights
While the full storyline remains tightly under wraps, Warner Bros. provided an intriguing logline via Variety. Tom Cruise plays Digger Rockwell, described as "the most powerful man in the world" who "embarks on a frantic mission to prove that he is humanity's saviour before the disaster he's unleashed destroys everything."
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast beyond Cruise. It includes recent Oscar nominee Sandra Huller, alongside seasoned actors like John Goodman and Michael Stuhlbarg. The lineup is further strengthened by Jesse Plemons, Sophie Wilde, Riz Ahmed, and 'House of the Dragon' star Emma D'Arcy.
According to production reports, 'Digger' was shot over six months in the United Kingdom. This project is also notable as Tom Cruise's first film since signing a strategic deal with Warner Bros. Discovery in January to develop and produce theatrical films. His last collaboration with the studio was the 2014 hit 'Edge of Tomorrow.'
Festival Buzz and Legacy Context
The chosen October 2026 release date strongly suggests that 'Digger' could have its world premiere at the prestigious Venice Film Festival. Inarritu has a history with the festival, having previously presented 'Bardo,' 'Birdman,' and '21 Grams' there. 'Birdman' went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2015, while 'Bardo' earned a nomination for Best Cinematography in 2023.
Inarritu also made waves at the Cannes Film Festival (the Croisette) with his virtual-reality installation 'Carne y Arena' (Flesh and Sand), which offered a visceral perspective on migrant journeys and won a special achievement Oscar in 2018.
For Tom Cruise, 'Digger' represents his next big cinematic venture following the blockbuster success of 'Top Gun: Maverick' and the upcoming 'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning.' The combination of Cruise's global star power and Inarritu's visionary direction makes 'Digger' one of the most awaited films on the 2026 calendar.
