Tom Cruise is set to embark on one of his most ambitious projects yet with the upcoming film Digger, marking his first original movie in nearly a decade. This highly anticipated release, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu, promises to bring an intense and inventive cinematic experience when it hits theaters on October 2, 2026. Alongside Cruise, an ensemble cast including Jesse Plemons, Emma D’Arcy, John Goodman, Sandra Hüller, and Riz Ahmed adds further prestige to the film.
A Groundbreaking Collaboration with Alejandro G. Iñárritu
After years of action-packed roles in franchises like Mission: Impossible and Top Gun, Cruise’s involvement in Digger represents a bold new chapter in his career. The film reunites him with Alejandro G. Iñárritu, known for visionary works such as Birdman and The Revenant. This collaboration stands out as Cruise’s first original movie in nearly ten years, highlighting a shift from sequels to original storytelling.
Riz Ahmed, who co-stars in Digger, praised Cruise’s dedication and intensity during production while promoting his new Prime Video series, Bait, at the Sundance Film Festival. Ahmed described Cruise’s on-set performance and energy as unparalleled, saying,
“Honestly, there’s nothing like that experience I’ve ever had before, just because of how motivated, focused, hardworking, and inspiring Tom Cruise is on set. The energy he has and the positivity is crazy. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Then Alejandro, the attention to detail, the vision, the ambition of it, as well, every day is just like, ‘Wow, this is kind of nuts.’ And Chivo [Emmanuel Lubezki], one of the greatest all-time cinematographers, was doing things that were so different and unique. I would be kind of motivated break character and go up and be like, ‘What the hell are you doing? What is this that you’ve put up?’”
— Riz Ahmed, Actor
Emmanuel Lubezki, known as “Chivo,” is recognized as one of the most innovative cinematographers in the industry. Ahmed further detailed the unique filming techniques employed on Digger, emphasizing the extraordinary craftsmanship behind the scenes:
“I’ll give you a small example, and maybe more and more cinematographers are doing this, it might be interesting for the camera team out here, but a lot of the time people use blacks or white reflective material to help amplify lighting or cut off lighting. He uses grays, and he doesn’t just have one kind of gray. He has, like, 16 or 10 different shades of gray that he puts up to reflect and create different nuances. Just the level of craft and attention to detail is crazy. It just makes you want to bring your best to the table. It’s inspiring. It’s intense, though. It’s definitely very intense.”
— Riz Ahmed, Actor
The Intensity of Iñárritu’s Directorial Style on Set
Director Alejandro G. Iñárritu is famed for his mesmerizing long takes and obsessive attention to detail, creating immersive cinematic experiences. Ahmed reflected on the demanding yet inspiring process of working with Iñárritu, comparing it to the rigorous methods of directors like David Fincher:
“I think acting, in essence, and any kind of creativity, is about surrender. You kind of surrender to a process, right? You hear about people like [David] Fincher, and they do like 60 takes. By take 60, you’re not thinking anymore. I think he’s similar in a way, without a handrail, where you try every which way, you’re painting with such detail, trying every different angle. You try all these options so that when you get to the end of the process, a little bit of each of those choices is in there. You just surrender to that kind of crazy, obsessive perfectionism, which is inspiring and quite tiring, but probably for the best, because you’re not in control of it anymore. No one is. It’s just this crazy ride that keeps going. It’s hard to explain.”
— Riz Ahmed, Actor
This description underscores the demanding nature of the film’s production, where both actors and crew must embrace a process driven by meticulous exploration and repeated takes. Such intensity reinforces the ambition behind the project and Cruise’s willingness to push creative boundaries in this original film endeavor.
Riz Ahmed’s New Series Bait and Its Themes
Alongside his work on Digger, Riz Ahmed is starring in the upcoming Prime Video series Bait, slated for release on March 25, 2026. This satirical dramedy delves into the stressful expectations actors face, especially when involved with world-famous franchises. Ahmed portrays Shah Latif, a British actor vying for the coveted role of James Bond. Across six episodes, Shah juggles personal challenges and complex relationships with his best friend, Zulfi, portrayed by Guz Khan.
The show offers an insightful reflection on fame and ambition within the entertainment industry, exploring the emotional and psychological toll on performers trying to balance career opportunities and personal lives. This project alongside Digger highlights Ahmed’s expanding presence in intense, thought-provoking roles.
Anticipated Releases and Industry Impact
Digger is scheduled for theatrical release on October 2, 2026, setting the stage for one of the year’s most talked-about movies, particularly due to Cruise’s return to original material. With Alejandro G. Iñárritu directing, and a cast including Sandra Hüller, John Goodman, Jesse Plemons, Emma D’Arcy, and Riz Ahmed, the film represents a convergence of top-tier talent. Cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki’s innovative lighting techniques further enhance its creative ambitions.
For audiences and industry insiders, Cruise’s leap into fresh storytelling may signal a new phase in his career, adding weight to original filmmaking in a landscape often dominated by franchises and sequels. Meanwhile, Ahmed’s dual roles in Digger and Bait highlight an era of more complex and layered narratives in film and television.
With intense production experiences and visionary leadership behind Digger, the film represents a daring venture where creativity, perfectionism, and star power collide. Fans of Cruise and artisan cinema alike will be watching closely to see how this bold original film resonates upon its 2026 release.
