The Tom Cruise-led “Digger” is facing a major loss after ticket sales for the political satire fell 60% in its second weekend at theaters in the U.S. and Canada.
According to the studio estimate, Warner Bros. The film grossed only $3.2 million in those theaters over the weekend. Revenues of $8 million were generated in its opening weekend; This was Cruise’s lowest opening as a leading actor since 2007’s “Lions for Lambs.” Global ticket sales for “Digger” were only $35.3 million.
According to industry sources, the weak box office returns mean the studio is expected to lose at least $150 million on the film; This includes ancillary revenue streams such as premium on-demand video and streaming. Historically, a film often needed to earn 2.5 to three times its budget to recoup its costs.
A Warner Bros. His spokesman did not respond to a request for comment.
It’s a tough outcome for the movie, which stars Cruise as an aging oil tycoon whose company embarks on an environmental initiative. Analysts said the film was difficult to market given the major twist in plot, and Cruise’s virtually unrecognizable appearance may have deterred the fan base from coming out in support of the film.
The film suffered from polarizing critical reviews, scoring 53% on aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. Opening night audiences gave the film a C+ on CinemaScore; This note generally indicates weak word-of-mouth and steep declines in the weeks that follow.
“Digger’s” budget raised the stakes. Warner Bros. He said the film cost $125 million to make, but some industry experts and trade reports estimate the cost to be at least $160 million, citing production delays.
This figure also does not include marketing costs; sources said it may have increased in the days after the film’s opening as Warner Bros. began using divided reviews on social media and TV ads to encourage people to see the film for themselves.
A Warner Bros. His spokesman did not respond to a request for comment.
Beyond the theatrical reception, the film was released by Warner Bros. and will be of value to the newly merged company, Skydance. “Digger” will likely make money from sub-revenue sources such as streaming. Cruise’s first competitive Oscar win will also be seen as a plus for the film.
But experts said the domestic reception a film receives, and to some extent its international box office revenue, plays a role in the value of sub-revenue opportunities.
“Even if it has significant ancillary revenue based on the film’s track record, the film will lose a lot of money,” David A. Gross wrote in the film industry newsletter FranchiseRe shortly after the film opened.
“Digger” was accepted by Warner Bros. It took place at a difficult time for us.
The film was released on October 2, the same day that the studio’s film heads Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy departed. Four days later, Paramount signed a contract with Warner Bros. It completed its acquisition of Discovery, and the combined company became Skydance.
This year, the studio shot Maggie Gyllenhaal’s “The Bride!” He had a series of disappointments, including the film. and DC Studios’ “Supergirl.” None of the 2026 releases have surpassed $100 million at the domestic box office.
But Warner Bros.’ prospects are expected to improve next year, according to Bernstein Research. Skydance, Warner Bros. and Paramount has said it will keep its studios separate, but Paramount Pictures chiefs Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein are expected to oversee both. Bernstein, Warner Bros. expects movie and TV studios to generate $11.7 billion in revenue thanks to strong productions, including a “Minecraft” sequel and a new “Lord of the Rings” movie.