Tom Cruise Digger comedy film marks a major turn for the Hollywood legend as he takes on his first original, non-franchise role since 2017, stepping into the shoes of Digger Rockwell for a high-profile black comedy led by director Alejandro G. Iñárritu. With the movie generating significant buzz thanks to a stylish, Gorillaz-soundtracked teaser released over the holidays, most plot details remain closely guarded, but anticipation continues to build as Cruise and an acclaimed ensemble cast prepare to unveil a satirical, genre-challenging feature.
Oscar-winning filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu, celebrated for acclaimed works like Birdman, The Revenant, and Bardo, directs this comedic spectacle set to showcase a side of Tom Cruise rarely seen on screen. Digger not only draws attention for Cruise’s performance but also for assembling a standout cast, including Jesse Plemons, Sandra Hüller, John Goodman, Michael Stuhlbarg, Sophie Wilde, Riz Ahmed, Emma D’Arcy, Robert John Burke, Burn Gorman, and Pip Torrens, each bringing their unique talent to the ensemble.
Cruise’s Return to Original Roles Compared to Classic Satire
Jesse Plemons, known for prominent roles in Bugonia, Black Mirror, and Breaking Bad, joins the Digger cast and has drawn a parallel between Cruise’s new venture and Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb, one of cinema’s timeless satires. Kubrick’s 1964 comedy set a high watermark for political satire, famously featuring Peter Sellers in multiple roles and focusing on military madness at the height of Cold War tensions. Dr. Strangelove enjoys near-universal acclaim, evidenced by its 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Now, the question for audiences and critics is whether Digger can forge a place alongside such a storied, satirical masterpiece.
“It’s one of the strangest, funniest, most tragic scripts I’ve read. There’s a kind of modern-day Dr. Strangelove thing, and then it becomes something else entirely. Getting to see Tom just go for it — not in a death-defying action way but fully showing what an incredible actor he is — that was thrilling.”
— Jesse Plemons, Cast Member
Iñárritu Praises Cruise’s Unmatched Versatility
While previous films from Alejandro G. Iñárritu have veered towards dramatic and visionary territory, the director describes Digger as a wild comedic departure, featuring Cruise in a role unlike any before. In a conversation about the project, Iñárritu emphasized both Cruise’s range and the film’s unpredictable energy, expressing his delight in discovering new facets of the star’s talent.
“I’m so excited. It was an incredible experience with Tom, Sandra Hüller, Jesse Plemons, with Riz Ahmed, but it’s a character-driven film mounted on the shoulders of Tom, which I knew was exactly the right person.
This is a wild comedy of catastrophic proportions. It’s insane. He makes me laugh every day. The range that I discovered working with Tom is unprecedented for me as a director. I was so f****** impressed and happy.
He gives himself. He has an incredible sense of passion. It’s a brutal comedy. It’s a wild comedy of human nature. It’s scary and funny. It’s beautiful.”
— Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Director
Iñárritu’s vision appears to hinge on Tom Cruise’s ability to blend comedic timing with dramatic prowess, promising a performance that could redefine perceptions of Cruise’s range as an actor. Sandra Hüller, Riz Ahmed, and other ensemble members contribute to an energetic dynamic shaped by Iñárritu’s unique storytelling approach.
Ensemble Cast Brings Diversity and Talent
Cruise is supported by a remarkable group, including Robert John Burke, Michael Stuhlbarg, Sophie Wilde, Jesse Plemons, Sandra Hüller, Riz Ahmed, Emma D’Arcy, Burn Gorman, and Pip Torrens. Their presence suggests a film rich in character—and possibly in twists—setting up Digger as a high-potential comedy for both new viewers and fans of satirical classics. Among the cast, each actor brings a distinctive background, from Plemons’s dramatic intensity to Riz Ahmed’s versatility and Emma D’Arcy’s rising acclaim.
Cruise Expands His On-Set Roles
Beyond acting, Cruise’s dedication to his craft occasionally sees him contributing in unexpected ways. Director Shawn Levy, known for Star Wars: Starfighter, shared an anecdote that Cruise operated a camera during a lightsaber duel on the Starfighter set. Levy remarked,
“Now when you see the movie, you’ll know that part of it was shot by Tom. I mean, how cool is that?”
— Shawn Levy, Director. This hands-on approach is emblematic of Cruise’s willingness to engage in every aspect of filmmaking, adding to the film’s behind-the-scenes intrigue.
With the Tom Cruise Digger comedy film poised for release, industry insiders and moviegoers are eager to see if this ambitious, offbeat project can capture the wit and satirical punch of Dr. Strangelove. As anticipation mounts, Digger has the opportunity to not only showcase a different side of Cruise but also offer a sharp, comedic reflection on modern society, with key contributions from its accomplished cast and creative team. The film’s impact remains to be seen, but the promise of originality and daring performances positions Digger as a must-watch for 2024 and beyond.
