Tom Cruise transforms into oil tycoon in new film Digger

Tom Cruise will portray a chaotic billionaire oil tycoon in the upcoming satirical comedy Digger, directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu. According to a retrospective trailer released Tuesday, the film follows Digger Rockwell as he attempts to save humanity after his oil company triggers an ecological disaster, per Variety.

What is the plot of the movie Digger?

Variety reports the film focuses on Digger Rockwell, a southern cowboy-like billionaire whose company causes an ecological catastrophe. The story follows Rockwell’s subsequent mission to save humanity from the mess he created.

A retrospective trailer released Tuesday afternoon features clips from Cruise’s previous work in Top Gun, Mission Impossible, and Jerry Maguire. The footage introduces Rockwell appearing in a dark red suit, cowboy boots, and a cowboy hat while approaching a shouting crowd.

In one scene, Cruise is shown pacing a wood-paneled, dimly lit room. Speaking with a thick southern accent, he says, “If all else fails you hit ’em with the truth. The hard truth. Just bang, bang, bang. Wooo.”

Did You Know? A promotional poster for the film describes the character of Digger as “A man. A Plan. A Meltdown.”

Who is directing the film and what is its significance?

Academy Award-winning filmmaker Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu is directing the project. Inarritu’s previous credits include The Revenant (2015), Birdman (2016), and Netflix’s Bardo: False Chronicle Of A Handful Of Truths (2022).

This production marks the first time Cruise and Inarritu have worked together. It’s also Cruise’s first film following the 2025 release of Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that shifting from the high-octane stunts of the Mission Impossible franchise to a satirical comedy under Inarritu’s direction represents a significant stylistic pivot for Cruise. This move could allow the actor to leverage his global star power in a more subversive, character-driven narrative.

When will the trailer and movie be released?

The full trailer is expected to be released on July 13. The film is scheduled to arrive in theaters this October.

DIGGER – Tom Cruise Retrospective Trailer

Cruise shared the initial clip on Instagram, stating it has been his privilege to work with talented artists and crews to create stories for the last 46 years. He confirmed the film will be available “Only in theaters this October.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What character does Tom Cruise play in Digger?
Cruise plays Digger Rockwell, a chaotic billionaire oil tycoon with a southern accent.

What is the genre of the film?
The film is described as a satirical comedy, with a tagline calling it “A comedy of catastrophic proportions.”

Who is the director of Digger?
The film is directed by Academy Award-winner Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu.

How do you think Tom Cruise will handle a satirical role compared to his usual action characters?