Tom Cruise’s 'Digger' projected to lose $250m after $8m opening weekend

Tom Cruise’s 'Digger' is reportedly projected to lose $250m after earning $8m domestically

Tom Cruise’s Digger is reportedly projected to lose $250 million by the end of its theatrical run, including post-theatrical revenue, according to TheWrap.

The climate change satire, directed and written by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, earned $8 million domestically and $21 million worldwide during its opening weekend.

Insiders at Skydance told TheWrap that the film is not expected to exceed $40 million at the global box office.

Previous reports had estimated a loss of around $125 million, but the projected figure has reportedly increased following the film’s opening performance. Warner Bros., which fully financed Digger, declined to comment. 

The film’s reported production budget stands between $163 million and $173 million, according to different insiders cited by TheWrap. Its marketing budget was approximately $100 million, much of which was linked to Cruise’s global press tour.

Digger stars Cruise as a wealthy oil magnate whose wells trigger a global environmental catastrophe. The actor underwent a heavy-prosthetic transformation to play the character, who is depicted as a paunchy, balding billionaire living with a dying cat among mounted stuffed animals.

The film received mixed reviews, with reactions ranging from criticism of its confusing elements to praise for its approach to comedy and environmental themes.

Digger was part of a deal between Cruise and Warner Bros. to develop original and franchise films.

The project also marked a collaboration between Cruise and Iñárritu, who is among the directors to have won consecutive Best Director Oscars.