Tom Cruise’s latest film, “Digger,” suffered one of the Hollywood star’s worst box-office debuts, earning just $20 million worldwide in its opening weekend, according to recent media reports.
The Warner Bros. satire, directed by Alejandro G. Inarritu, grossed $8 million in North America and $12 million internationally.
Inarritu won consecutive Academy Awards for best director for “Birdman” in 2015 and “The Revenant” in 2016.
The film’s weak opening could result in significant losses for Warner Bros. “Digger” cost at least $125 million to produce, while some reports have put the budget closer to $150 million. An estimated $100 million more was spent on marketing.
The film received mixed-to-negative reviews ahead of its release, prompting Warner Bros. to launch an unusual advertising campaign urging audiences to “decide for yourself.”
As early signs pointed to a weak opening, Cruise expressed pride in the film in a social media post Saturday.
“Digger is officially in theaters and I am so honored to have had the opportunity to create this film alongside such talented artists,” he said. “Thank you to the entire cast and crew for your dedication, hard work, and joy. The experience was truly unforgettable and I’m so proud of what we created.”
Cruise, 64, has remained one of Hollywood’s biggest box-office draws in recent years, thanks in large part to the “Mission: Impossible” franchise and “Top Gun: Maverick.”
