The upcoming Tom Cruise Digger movie is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated action releases of the decade. Warner Bros. Pictures has officially confirmed that the project, currently titled Digger, is in pre-production, with filming set to begin in Spring 2026. Directed by Doug Liman and starring global icon Tom Cruise, the movie will mark Cruise’s first collaboration with Warner Bros. in nearly two decades and his first original, non-franchise film since American Made in 2017.
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What Is the Digger Movie?
Digger is the first film developed under Tom Cruise’s new partnership with Warner Bros., announced in January 2024. The multi-year agreement gives Cruise the ability to produce and star in major theatrical projects under the studio’s banner, working closely with studio co-chairs Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy.
The film is described as a gritty, high-intensity action thriller that blends real-world stunts with dramatic storytelling — a formula Cruise has perfected throughout his career. While the studio has not disclosed specific plot details, internal briefings describe Digger as “a grounded, survival-driven adventure set beneath the surface of the Earth.”
This aligns with Cruise’s long-standing reputation for pushing cinematic realism through practical effects, daring locations, and immersive stunt work.
Confirmed Production Timeline
As of December 2025, Digger remains in active pre-production, with filming set to start by April 2026.
| Stage | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Script Development | Completed | Final draft approved in August 2025 |
| Casting | Ongoing | Supporting cast announcements expected early 2026 |
| Principal Photography | Planned | Begins April 2026 at Leavesden Studios, U.K. |
| Post-Production | Scheduled | Late 2026 through 2027 |
| Release Window | Projected | 2027 theatrical release |
Warner Bros. has already reserved soundstage space at Leavesden Studios, where major films like Mission: Impossible – Fallout and The Batman were previously shot.
Creative Team and Crew
The Digger movie reunites Tom Cruise with Doug Liman, a director known for his innovative approach to action storytelling. Their past collaborations — Edge of Tomorrow and American Made — were praised for their energy, humor, and grounded realism.
Confirmed creative team members include:
- Director: Doug Liman
- Producer: Tom Cruise
- Executive Producers: Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy
- Screenwriters: Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth (Edge of Tomorrow, Ford v Ferrari)
- Cinematography: Oliver Wood (known for The Bourne Ultimatum)
- Music: Lorne Balfe (composer for Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning)
This collaboration of seasoned professionals positions Digger as a top-tier cinematic production even before filming begins.
Tom Cruise’s Return to Warner Bros.
For Tom Cruise, Digger signifies a homecoming. Though he has worked primarily with Paramount Pictures for nearly two decades through the Mission: Impossible franchise, Cruise began his blockbuster journey with Warner Bros. titles like Interview with the Vampire (1994) and Eyes Wide Shut (1999).
His partnership with Warner Bros., announced in early 2024, is part of the studio’s effort to bring major movie stars back into the center of theatrical filmmaking. Cruise’s production deal reportedly includes both original films like Digger and potential franchise opportunities developed under his company, Cruise/Wagner Productions.
Warner Bros. executives described the collaboration as “a return to star-driven, event-level cinema,” emphasizing Cruise’s enduring appeal to both domestic and international audiences.
Filming Locations and Style
The Digger production team is planning to shoot across three primary locations:
- Leavesden Studios, U.K. – Primary soundstage filming for interior and underground sequences.
- Iceland – For large-scale exterior scenes requiring extreme environments.
- Nevada, USA – A desert location to simulate part of the film’s underground landscape.
Doug Liman is known for his preference for practical effects over heavy CGI, and Cruise has built his career on performing his own stunts. Insiders close to the production have confirmed that Digger will continue that tradition, featuring extensive on-location shoots and high-stakes physical sequences designed to maximize realism.
What Makes the Digger Movie Different
Unlike the Mission: Impossible or Top Gun series, Digger is a completely original story, not tied to an existing franchise. That makes it Tom Cruise’s first standalone blockbuster in almost a decade.
Key distinctions include:
- Original Concept: A new narrative rather than a sequel or reboot.
- Tone: Described as more grounded and suspenseful than his recent action films.
- Focus: A survival mission rather than espionage or military operations.
- Visuals: Earth-toned, gritty, and atmospheric settings emphasizing confinement and tension.
This creative direction reflects Cruise’s recent interest in diversifying his filmography while still delivering the cinematic spectacle audiences expect from him.
Current Status of Casting
As of late 2025, the only confirmed cast member for Digger is Tom Cruise himself. However, the studio is finalizing contracts with two high-profile co-stars — one female lead and one supporting antagonist.
Casting announcements are expected in early 2026, once pre-production officially begins at Leavesden Studios. Warner Bros. has emphasized that the movie will feature an ensemble cast designed to complement Cruise’s high-energy performance style.
Warner Bros. and Cruise’s Vision for the Film
Both Warner Bros. and Cruise have described Digger as a “return to practical filmmaking.” The film will prioritize physical sets, minimal green-screen usage, and real-world environments.
Cruise has been vocal about his desire to keep theatrical cinema alive through immersive, high-quality productions. In a recent public appearance, he said, “Audiences still want to experience movies on the big screen. That’s where storytelling truly comes alive.”
Warner Bros. leadership has echoed that sentiment, calling Digger “a cinematic event designed for theaters first and foremost.”
Relation to Other Upcoming Cruise Projects
While Digger is currently Cruise’s only Warner Bros. project in production, he remains involved with two other major films under Paramount Pictures:
- Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two – Scheduled for 2026 release.
- Space Movie (Untitled Universal Project) – Still in early planning, with NASA and Elon Musk’s SpaceX involved.
By balancing both studio partnerships, Cruise continues to shape modern action cinema while exploring new creative directions through original projects like Digger.
Expected Release Window and Distribution Plans
Although Warner Bros. has not officially confirmed a release date, Digger is targeting a 2027 theatrical release. Once the film completes its theatrical run, it will be released on the Max streaming platform (formerly HBO Max).
The studio has not yet discussed international release dates, but Cruise’s films traditionally launch globally within two weeks of their U.S. debut.
Impact on Cruise’s Career and Hollywood
Digger carries significant weight for both Tom Cruise and the industry. Following the success of Top Gun: Maverick (2022), which earned over $1.49 billion worldwide, Cruise proved that traditional theatrical experiences can still dominate in the streaming era.
Warner Bros. sees Digger as an opportunity to replicate that box-office magic with an original concept while reasserting the importance of star-driven cinema.
Cruise’s consistent work ethic, commitment to authenticity, and insistence on performing his own stunts have made him one of the last true global movie stars capable of drawing massive crowds to theaters.
Timeline Overview for the Digger Movie
| Year | Milestone | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Warner Bros. announces new partnership with Tom Cruise | Completed |
| 2025 | Final script and pre-production planning | Ongoing |
| 2026 | Filming begins (Spring) | Upcoming |
| 2027 | Theatrical release | Expected |
Why Fans Are Excited
There are several reasons why Digger has already become one of the most talked-about upcoming films:
- It reunites Cruise with Doug Liman, a proven creative partner.
- It marks Cruise’s first collaboration with Warner Bros. in over 20 years.
- It introduces an entirely new story universe.
- It continues Cruise’s tradition of jaw-dropping stunts and cinematic innovation.
Fans worldwide have expressed their anticipation across social media platforms, eager to see how Cruise will once again redefine action filmmaking.
Audiences can expect Digger to blend heart-stopping tension, real-world stunts, and Tom Cruise’s signature drive for authenticity — all coming to life on the big screen in 2027. Stay tuned for more updates as production gears up in 2026.