Tom Cruise has spent decades saving the world on screen, but his latest mission has delivered a very different result. His new film Digger is reportedly heading for a loss of more than $150 million, making it one of the biggest financial setbacks of his career.
The satire, directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, reportedly cost $150 million to produce, with another $100 million spent on marketing. The film's reception has been rough, with a 53% Rotten Tomatoes score and ticket sales reportedly dropping 60% in its second weekend.
A source close to the actor told Heat magazine that Cruise was "beside himself" over the disappointing performance, adding: "Tom poured everything he had into Digger and genuinely believed people would love it, so he's totally stunned by the numbers." The insider also claimed he is still hoping for Academy recognition, despite the film's commercial struggles.
"He still believes in the film passionately, and he's still holding out hope he'll get recognised by the Academy and be in with a chance of winning an Oscar," the source said. The setback follows Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, which also reportedly fell short of its enormous financial targets.
Away from the box office, the source pointed to personal disappointments, including Cruise's reported split from Ana de Armas and his long-standing estrangement from daughter Suri. Industry analysts suggest that the failure of Digger highlights a shifting landscape in Hollywood, where even A-list stars are struggling to guarantee box office success.
The high production costs combined with a lukewarm critical reception have created a perfect storm for the studio. Despite the financial gloom, Cruise remains a formidable force in the industry.
His production company continues to develop several high-profile projects, and supporters argue that one or two commercial misses do not diminish his legendary status. The actor has not yet issued a public statement regarding the film's performance.
Fans and critics alike are now watching closely to see how he pivots his career strategy in the coming months. As the industry moves forward, the focus remains on whether Cruise will return to his blockbuster roots or continue exploring experimental roles that challenge his traditional image.
Ultimately, the $150 million loss serves as a stark reminder of the volatility of the film business, where even the most dedicated efforts can sometimes fail to resonate with global audiences.