Tom Cruise may be known for defying gravity and common sense in blockbuster franchises, but his upcoming film ‘Digger’ seems to be taking him into a whole new world — and according to co-star Riz Ahmed, the experience was unforgettable.
Speaking about the film recently, Ahmed praised Cruise’s work ethic and on-set presence, describing it as something he had never witnessed before in his career. While the ‘Rogue One’ and ‘Sound of Metal’ star kept details of the film’s plot strictly under wraps, he didn’t hesitate to discuss Cruise’s intensity and energy during production.
Ahmed revealed that Cruise’s focus and drive remained unwavering throughout the entire shoot, calling him incredibly motivating and unexpectedly inspiring. He noted that Cruise brought an infectious positivity to the set, a combination of tireless professionalism and genuine enthusiasm — a combination that encouraged everyone around him to give their best.
‘Digger’ is directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind ‘Birdman’ and ‘The Revenant,’ and it marks a rare creative turn for Cruise. Unlike his recent franchise films, ‘Digger’ is an original, standalone story — something Cruise hasn’t done in over a decade.
The film is reportedly centered around a man who is responsible for causing a global catastrophe and then embarks on a journey of redemption, trying to prove that he can be a savior rather than the cause of humanity’s downfall. While details are still limited, initial descriptions suggest a darker, more introspective tone than the types of films audiences typically associate with Cruise. Ahmed also praised Iñárritu’s meticulous approach, describing the director’s ambition and attention to detail as both inspiring and overwhelming. He said that every day on set was intense—an intensity that reminded the actors that they were part of something special.
The same level of craftsmanship is evident behind the camera as well. Legendary cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki, a frequent collaborator of Iñárritu and a multiple Oscar winner, is once again in charge of the cinematography for ‘Digger’. Ahmed recalled watching Lubezki work, marveling at the subtle complexities of his lighting techniques, explaining that even seemingly simple things like shades of gray were layered with extraordinary precision.
According to Ahmed, this resulted in a production environment that demanded—and rewarded—excellence from everyone involved.
Adding to the film’s significance, ‘Digger’ is also a major milestone in Cruise’s career. Scheduled for release in 2026, the project will be the actor’s 50th feature film, a remarkable achievement for someone who has maintained his status as one of Hollywood’s most successful stars since the early 1980s.
Instead of celebrating this milestone with a familiar action film, Cruise seems to be embracing risk, creativity, and innovation—a move that has only heightened the mystery surrounding ‘Digger’.
With a cryptic teaser already generating intrigue and praise from those involved, ‘Digger’ is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated and unconventional films of Cruise’s career. If Ahmed’s words are anything to go by, audiences should indeed be prepared for something truly unique when the film hits theaters on October 2, 2026.