Tom Cruise Is Completely Unrecognizable in Iñárritu's 'Digger' — First Trailer, Cast, and Everything We Know

Tom Cruise Looks Totally Unrecognizable in the First Trailer for "Digger" — And It Might Be His Wildest Role Yet

If you thought you knew Tom Cruise, think again. The 64-year-old action legend just dropped the first full trailer for "Digger", and honestly? You won't recognize him. Big belly, comb-over, thick Southern accent, and a cat — yes, a cat — this is Cruise like you've never seen him before.

So... What Is "Digger" Actually About?

"Digger" is an absurdist dark comedy directed by none other than Alejandro G. Iñárritu — the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind Birdman, The Revenant, and Babel. Cruise stars as Digger Rockwell, an eccentric oil billionaire whose latest mega-project accidentally unearths a disaster that could cost the world a staggering $18 trillion — and somehow, he ends up trying to be the guy who fixes it.

The tone? Think Don't Look Up meets There Will Be Blood, but with Iñárritu's signature surreal touch. It's satire, disaster film, and character study all rolled into one. Cruise described the project as "totally original" and admitted it challenged him in ways no role ever has: "I have never had something that could challenge me in this way — and neither has Alejandro."

The Cast Is Absolutely Insane

If Cruise's transformation wasn't enough to get your attention, the ensemble cast definitely will. Joining him in "Digger" are:

• Jesse Plemons (Killers of the Flower Moon, Civil War) — because what dark satire is complete without Plemons?
• Sandra Hüller (Anatomy of a Fall, The Zone of Interest) — fresh off her Oscar nominations
• Riz Ahmed (Sound of Metal) — who reportedly beat out a major international comedian for the role
• Sophie Wilde (Talk to Me) — one of the most exciting rising stars right now
• Emma D'Arcy (House of the Dragon)
• Michael Stuhlbarg and screen legend John Goodman

Behind the camera, Iñárritu reunites with legendary cinematographer Emmanuel "Chivo" Lubezki (the duo who gave us Birdman and The Revenant), so you already know this thing is going to look absolutely stunning.

When Can You Watch It?

Warner Bros. Pictures has set "Digger" for a theatrical release on October 2, 2026. Cruise previewed the film at CinemaCon earlier this year, and early buzz is already pointing toward major awards season potential — because when Iñárritu makes a movie, the Oscars pay attention.

Bottom line: If you're a Cruise fan, an Iñárritu fan, or just someone who loves watching Hollywood's biggest star completely disappear into a character, "Digger" is easily one of the most intriguing releases of the fall. This ain't Mission: Impossible. This is something else entirely — and we can't wait.