Tom Cruise is set to lead his first original action movie in several years, joining forces with acclaimed director Alejandro G. Iñárritu for a film that has fans around the world buzzing. The newly titled project, “Digger,” is already drawing attention as details begin to emerge, promising a unique experience far removed from Cruise’s familiar roles such as Ethan Hunt or Maverick.
Cruise and Iñárritu Collaborate on Digger
The anticipation surrounding Tom Cruise original action movie “Digger” has only intensified after a short teaser revealed its name and gave fans a brief glimpse of Cruise in an unusual role. Unlike his previous portrayals, Cruise appears as an enigmatic avatar, suggesting the film will be a notable departure from his traditional action hero persona. The storyline remains largely under wraps, but early insights indicate that “Digger” will explore themes of power, catastrophe, and redemption, focusing on a character who, as the most influential person in the world, triggers a major disaster and then endeavors to save humanity from the consequences of his own actions.
The involvement of Jesse Plemons, known for his work in “Breaking Bad,” adds further intrigue. Plemons recently provided a rare glimpse into the project’s nature, referencing its blend of genres and emotional complexity.
“It’s one of the strangest, funniest, most tragic scripts I’ve read,”
Plemons, Co-star, shared about the screenplay, offering a sense of the film’s unpredictable tone.
Genre-Bending Narrative with Black Comedy Elements
The film’s concept has already drawn comparisons to classic satirical cinema, particularly the work of Stanley Kubrick.
“There’s a kind of modern-day ‘Dr. Strangelove’ thing, and then it becomes something else entirely. Getting to see Tom just go for it — not in a death-defying action way but fully showing what an incredible actor he is — that was thrilling.”
Jesse Plemons, Co-star. This comment highlights both the satirical approach and Cruise’s commitment to deep character work rather than straightforward stunt-driven spectacle.
The teaser for “Digger” avoids showing Cruise’s full appearance, instead revealing him in silhouette: dressed in shorts, a shirt, and boots, dancing with a shovel. This image evokes memories of Cruise’s memorable dance as Les Grossman in “Tropic Thunder,” a role that became infamous for its comedic energy. With Iñárritu at the helm, known for visually striking and character-focused films such as “Birdman” and “The Revenant,” “Digger” seems poised to balance wit, satire, and dramatic storytelling in a new direction for the action legend.
Possibility of a Les Grossman Spin-Off
The legacy of Cruise’s comedic talents continues to make waves, especially as talk of a “Tropic Thunder” spin-off centered on his character Les Grossman gained momentum. Justin Theroux, who starred in and wrote for the original film, recently commented on the status of the project.
“I think we all look forward to hopefully making that happen. That would be great, and I have some ideas for it, and some of those ideas have been expressed, but I can’t really give you any other update that there’s nothing currently. There’s no start date or anything,”
Justin Theroux, Co-star and Writer. While development remains uncertain, the excitement underscores Cruise’s range and continued relevance in both action and comedic roles.
For now, fans have their sights set on “Digger,” which is scheduled to premiere on October 2. With the combined talents of Cruise and Iñárritu, and hints at both spectacle and satire, the film is among the year’s most anticipated releases.
Meet the Star-Studded Digger Cast
The cast of “Digger” features notable names, including Tom Cruise portraying Digger Rockwell as the lead. The ensemble is bolstered by Robert John Burke, Riz Ahmed, and Kenton Craig, all bringing additional depth and versatility to the film’s ambitious narrative. Their involvement signals a production aiming for both critical and audience acclaim, particularly as Cruise branches out with an original story after a long period of sequels and franchise entries.
What to Expect Next
“Digger” promises a compelling blend of dark comedy, political satire, and emotional drama set against the backdrop of global disaster and heroism. With key figures like Alejandro G. Iñárritu and Tom Cruise working together for the first time, alongside rising talents such as Jesse Plemons, Robert John Burke, and Riz Ahmed, anticipation will likely continue to build leading up to its release. Fans can look forward to a fresh take on the action genre and a performance from Cruise that explores unfamiliar territory, while the ongoing discussions about a Les Grossman spin-off keep the actor’s legacy front and center in Hollywood discourse.
