For the better part of the past decade, Tom Cruise has been busy reprising iconic roles from the 80s and 90s in three Mission: Impossible pics and the mega-grossing Top Gun: Maverick. On October 2nd, he’s out of action star and stunt making mode and headlining the satire Digger. Caked in makeup and playing an eccentric billionaire, Alejandro G. Iñárritu (double Oscar winner for Birdman and The Revenant) directs. The supporting cast includes Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Sandra Hüller, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Jesse Plemons.
The review embargo lifts next week, but early social media chatter indicates this will draw wildly diverse reactions. Cruise, as we’ve grown accustomed to, is promoting this change of pace black comedy with gusto. However, the mixed word-of-mouth could limit its potential
UPDATE (09/29): The review embargo has lifted and it’s NOT good news for Cruise and company. My initial projection in the high teens has now plummeted to low double digits.
With a reported $125 million price tag, Digger needs impressive numbers domestically and overseas. I suspect the stateside earnings may be far from groundbreaking. While some estimates have this topping $20 million, I’m projecting a premiere below Cruise’s last non-sequel. That was back in 2017 when American Made kicked off with just under $17 million. Digger may fare worse and my barely double digits estimate would classify it as a notable bomb considering the reported $125 million price tag.
Digger opening weekend prediction: $10.3 million
For my Verity prediction, click here:
