Is Tom Cruise’s upcoming movie ‘Digger’ a musical? Theory debunked after trailer sends internet into frenzy

Alejandro G Iñárritu’s film follows a billionaire facing an ecological disaster and possible nuclear crisis

Tom Cruise’s upcoming film Digger has sparked an unexpected internet mystery, with viewers convinced that Alejandro G Iñárritu’s strange new movie could secretly be a musical.

According to Variety, two sources familiar with the production confirmed that Digger is not a movie musical. The sources were reportedly amused by the online detective work that followed the release of the film’s latest trailer.

The theory gained traction after viewers noticed several unusual images in the trailer. Some moments feature Cruise and other characters moving in ways that appeared theatrical, while one particular sequence involving a rotating platform gave viewers the impression that a choreographed musical number could be hiding in plain sight.

That was enough to send social media users into full detective mode.

Author Jason Pargin helped fuel the discussion after pointing out the suspicious looking moments in the trailer and suggesting that, if Digger really were a musical, the production had kept that detail remarkably well hidden. He was careful to present the idea as speculation rather than confirmed information.

The theory also gained attention because of the cast. Riz Ahmed has a background in music as a rapper, while Sandra Hüller has performed music and Jesse Plemons has also demonstrated musical abilities. Viewers began connecting those details with the unusual footage and wondering whether the marketing campaign was deliberately withholding a major element of the film.

The comparison to Wonka also became part of the conversation. Early marketing for that film gave audiences limited indication of its musical elements, leading some viewers to wonder whether Digger could be using a similar strategy.

There was even a blunt response from Sean Ono Lennon, who commented on the speculation by saying, "It’s not a musical."

Its sources confirmed that the film is not a musical, meaning the strange visual moments in the trailer appear to be part of Iñárritu’s unconventional filmmaking style rather than clues pointing towards secret song and dance sequences.

There is still plenty about Digger that could surprise audiences. Cruise plays Digger Rockwell, an eccentric and extremely powerful billionaire whose actions may have triggered an ecological catastrophe with consequences that could extend to a nuclear conflict. The character is almost unrecognisable, with Cruise appearing under extensive prosthetics, a prominent stomach, thinning white hair and a Southern accent.

John Goodman plays an ailing US president, while the ensemble also includes Riz Ahmed, Sandra Hüller, Michael Stuhlbarg, Jesse Plemons, Sophie Wilde and Emma D’Arcy. Iñárritu directed the film and co wrote the screenplay with Sabina Berman, Nicolas Giacobone and Alexander Dinelaris.

Digger is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on October 2.