Overview
- Digger, which opened Oct. 2, earned about $8 million in North America and roughly $20–21 million worldwide in its first weekend, far below expectations.
- New reporting from studio insiders and trade outlets says Skydance’s post-takeover review now pegs the film’s total loss at about $250 million after counting reported production costs of roughly $163–$173 million and about $100 million in marketing.
- Coverage and box-office math note Warner Bros. fully financed the picture, which magnifies the studio’s exposure because theaters keep about half of ticket sales and studio share is limited.
- Critical and audience reaction has been sharply split, with critics near the mid-50s on aggregate scores and stronger audience ratings, and several high-profile filmmakers and actors publicly defending the film.
- Exhibitors have already cut many IMAX bookings and replaced some screenings, and industry observers say the timing of the loss during the Skydance/Paramount transition and leadership changes will intensify scrutiny of future high-cost original projects.