Tom Cruise’s Digger Projected to Cost Studio About $250 Million

Overview

• TheWrap reported that internal estimates put Digger’s total theatrical-plus-post-theatrical shortfall at roughly $250 million, a figure based on opening receipts and trade calculations.
• The film opened very weakly, earning about $8 million domestically and roughly $21 million worldwide in its first weekend, and some studio insiders now do not expect it to exceed $40 million globally.
• Reported production costs range between about $163 million and $173 million, and marketing spending is commonly reported near $100 million, producing a break-even threshold that industry sources place around $300–$350 million.
• Skydance executives who recently assumed oversight of Warner’s slate were reportedly surprised by the extent of the deficit and leadership changes and reassignment of film oversight have followed the studio takeover.
• Critics and audiences gave the film mixed responses, with roughly split ratings and a C+ CinemaScore, and industry observers warn the loss could curb studio appetite for costly, director-driven experiments and change how big-budget prestige films are greenlit.