Warner Bros. has released the first look at Tom Cruise in Digger, a new film directed by Academy Award winner Alejandro G. Iñárritu. Cruise plays Digger Rockwell, an elderly corrupt oil tycoon, marking a dramatic departure from the action-heavy roles that have defined much of his career. The film is scheduled for theatrical release in October 2026, with the official trailer set to drop on July 13, 2026.
The footage, which was first shown at CinemaCon in April 2026, reveals Cruise under heavy makeup for his transformation into the aging character. The sneak peek includes three minutes of retrospective footage celebrating the actor’s 40-year career, followed by glimpses of his physical transformation for the role.
A Bold Creative Collaboration
The film pairs Cruise with director Alejandro G. Iñárritu, who has won Best Picture and back-to-back Best Director Academy Awards during his career. Digger is described as an over-the-top satire and was shot entirely in VistaVision, a widescreen film format that adds a distinctive visual quality to the production.
The story centers on Digger Rockwell, a character who must reckon with a global natural disaster he caused. This premise positions the film as both a character study and a larger commentary, though specific plot details beyond this basic framework have not been released.
The screenplay was written by Alexander Dinelaris, Nicolás Giacobone, and Sabina Berman. The production team includes producers Mary Parent and Michael Sharp, with Joshua Grode serving as executive producer.
Star-Studded Ensemble Cast
Cruise is joined by an impressive ensemble of actors for this project. The confirmed cast includes Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Sandra Hüller, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Jesse Plemons. Each of these performers brings significant credentials, with several having received Academy Award nominations or wins in recent years.
Sandra Hüller gained international recognition and acclaim for her work in recent years, while Jesse Plemons and Michael Stuhlbarg are both known for their versatile performances across film and television. John Goodman brings decades of experience in both dramatic and comedic roles, and Riz Ahmed has established himself as a leading actor with critically acclaimed performances.
What We Know So Far
The first look footage reveals that Cruise underwent a significant physical transformation for the role, appearing under heavy makeup to portray the elderly oil tycoon. The presentation at CinemaCon began with a three-minute retrospective of Cruise’s 40-year film career before transitioning to footage from Digger.
The film represents a notable shift for Cruise, who has primarily focused on action franchises in recent years. The role of Digger Rockwell requires him to play a morally compromised character responsible for causing environmental devastation on a global scale.
Warner Bros. is positioning the film as a potential awards contender. If the film generates the anticipated response, it could earn Cruise his fourth acting Oscar nomination. His last acting nomination came for Magnolia in 2000, more than 25 years ago.
What Happens Next
The official trailer for Digger will be released on July 13, 2026, giving audiences their first extended look at the film and Cruise’s performance. This release date comes approximately three months before the theatrical premiere scheduled for October 2026.
The specific October release date has not been announced, but the timing places Digger squarely in awards season territory. Films released in the fall months are often positioned for Academy Award consideration, and the combination of Iñárritu’s directorial track record and Cruise’s transformation role suggests Warner Bros. has significant ambitions for the project.
A Career-Defining Role
The role of Digger Rockwell represents something unusual in Cruise’s filmography. While he has occasionally played morally ambiguous characters, such as his memorable turn as studio executive Les Grossman in Tropic Thunder, Cruise has largely built his career on heroic action roles.
Playing an elderly corrupt oil tycoon who causes global destruction marks a significant departure. The heavy makeup required for the transformation adds another layer to the performance, requiring Cruise to work through prosthetics and special effects makeup to convey the character.
Cruise has received three acting Oscar nominations throughout his career, but none since his supporting role in Magnolia in 2000. The film is being viewed as a potential opportunity for the actor to return to awards consideration, though no nominations can be guaranteed at this early stage.
Iñárritu’s Award-Winning Track Record
Director Alejandro G. Iñárritu brings a prestigious pedigree to the project. The filmmaker has won Best Picture at the Academy Awards and has claimed back-to-back Best Director Oscars, establishing him as one of the most decorated filmmakers of his generation.
His visual style and approach to storytelling have earned consistent critical recognition. The decision to shoot Digger entirely in VistaVision reflects his commitment to distinctive visual presentation and technical craftsmanship.
Warner Bros. Studio Strategy
The release of Digger comes as Warner Bros. continues to develop its theatrical slate. The studio has been building momentum with recent releases, positioning itself for continued success in the theatrical marketplace.
An October 2026 release date places Digger in a competitive but potentially lucrative window. Fall releases often benefit from awards season attention while still capturing general audience interest in prestige filmmaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Digger trailer come out?
The official trailer for Digger will be released on July 13, 2026.
Who directed the Tom Cruise movie Digger?
Digger is directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, who has won Best Picture and back-to-back Best Director Academy Awards.
When will Digger be released in theaters?
Digger is scheduled for theatrical release in October 2026. The specific date within that month has not been announced.
Who else is in the cast of Digger?
The ensemble cast includes Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Sandra Hüller, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Jesse Plemons alongside Tom Cruise.
What character does Tom Cruise play in Digger?
Cruise plays Digger Rockwell, an elderly corrupt oil tycoon who must reckon with a global natural disaster he caused. The role required heavy makeup for his transformation.
When was Tom Cruise last nominated for an acting Oscar?
Cruise last received an acting Oscar nomination for his role in Magnolia in 2000.
The first look at Digger has generated significant attention for both Cruise’s transformation and the film’s creative team. Audiences will get their next glimpse of the project when the trailer arrives on July 13, 2026, ahead of the theatrical release later that fall.
