Tom Cruise is embarking on what many consider his boldest cinematic venture in years with the upcoming film Digger, marking his first original movie in nearly a decade. This project, set to hit theaters in October 2026, sees Cruise collaborating for the first time with acclaimed director Alejandro G. Iñárritu, known for masterpieces like Birdman and The Revenant, and promises to be one of the most eagerly awaited films of the year.
Alongside Cruise, the cast boasts an impressive lineup including Jesse Plemons, Emma D’Arcy, John Goodman, Sandra Hüller, and Riz Ahmed, who recently spoke highly of both Cruise and Iñárritu during a conversation at the Sundance Film Festival.
Riz Ahmed Praises the Intensity and Innovation Behind ‘Digger’
While promoting his Prime Video series Bait at Sundance, Riz Ahmed shared insights into the creative environment on the set of Digger. Ahmed emphasized the rare dedication and focus that Cruise brought to the production, highlighting the actor’s relentless work ethic and inspirational presence during filming.
“Honestly, there’s nothing like that experience I’ve ever had before, just because of how motivated, focused, hardworking, and inspiring Tom Cruise is on set. The energy he has and the positivity is crazy. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Then Alejandro, the attention to detail, the vision, the ambition of it, as well, every day is just like, ‘Wow, this is kind of nuts.’ And Chivo [Emmanuel Lubezki], one of the greatest all-time cinematographers, was doing things that were so different and unique. I would be kind of motivated break character and go up and be like, ‘What the hell are you doing? What is this that you’ve put up?'”
Ahmed was clearly impressed by the cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki’s approach to lighting, which involved an intricate use of multiple shades of gray to manipulate light reflections and nuances on set. He explained this technique in more detail:
“I’ll give you a small example, and maybe more and more cinematographers are doing this, it might be interesting for the camera team out here, but a lot of the time people use blacks or white reflective material to help amplify lighting or cut off lighting. He uses grays, and he doesn’t just have one kind of gray. He has, like, 16 or 10 different shades of gray that he puts up to reflect and create different nuances. Just the level of craft and attention to detail is crazy. It just makes you want to bring your best to the table. It’s inspiring. It’s intense, though. It’s definitely very intense.”
The Unique Filmmaking Process of Alejandro G. Iñárritu on ‘Digger’
Ahmed also reflected on Iñárritu’s distinctive directing style, which heavily relies on meticulous, often lengthy takes that demand deep immersion from the cast and crew:
“I’ve never worked with anyone who works the way that Alejandro does.”
He elaborated on the demanding yet inspiring nature of the process, comparing it to the renowned filmmaker David Fincher’s exhaustive method of shooting multiple takes. Ahmed described the creative surrender required to adapt to Iñárritu’s vision:
“I think acting, in essence, and any kind of creativity, is about surrender. You kind of surrender to a process, right? You hear about people like [David] Fincher, and they do like 60 takes. By take 60, you’re not thinking anymore. I think he’s similar in a way, without a handrail, where you try every which way, you’re painting with such detail, trying every different angle. You try all these options so that when you get to the end of the process, a little bit of each of those choices is in there. You just surrender to that kind of crazy, obsessive perfectionism, which is inspiring and quite tiring, but probably for the best, because you’re not in control of it anymore. No one is. It’s just this crazy ride that keeps going. It’s hard to explain.”
Premiere Dates and Cast Highlights for ‘Digger’ and ‘Bait’
Digger is confirmed to debut in theaters on October 2, 2026, positioning itself as a major cinematic event. Meanwhile, Riz Ahmed stars in the upcoming Prime Video series Bait, which premieres earlier on March 25, 2026.
Bait follows the story of Shah Latif, played by Ahmed, a British actor facing a life-changing opportunity when he is invited to audition for the role of James Bond. The series explores the pressures within the acting world, balancing intense personal struggles with professional ambitions over six episodes. Alongside Ahmed, Guz Khan plays Shah’s best friend Zulfi, who helps him navigate these challenges amid past romantic entanglements and familial tensions.
Supporting Cast Adds Depth to Both Projects
Besides Cruise and Ahmed, Digger features notable performers such as Jesse Plemons, Emma D’Arcy, John Goodman, and Sandra Hüller, all of whom contribute to the film’s high-profile status. Similarly, Bait’s cast includes Guz Khan, Sheeba Chaddha, and Aasiya Shah, who add layers to the series’ exploration of ambition and identity.
What this Means for Tom Cruise’s Career
After decades of blockbuster hits where Cruise has become synonymous with high-octane action, Digger represents a rare opportunity for him to break new ground with an original story coupled with an auteur director’s vision. His involvement in this project signals a deliberate shift towards more experimental and artistically ambitious work.
This move could not only redefine Cruise’s filmography but also set a new standard for high-profile collaborations between A-list actors and visionary filmmakers. The anticipation surrounding Digger reflects broader expectations in the industry for ambitious, original cinema that challenges both artists and audiences.
With a stellar team behind the scenes and a powerhouse cast on screen, Tom Cruise’s first original movie in years is generating significant buzz well ahead of its release, promising an intense and memorable cinematic journey.
