Critics killed Tom Cruise's awful 'Digger'

Key Points:

• Tom Cruise’s film “Digger,” a high-budget satire on environmental catastrophe, received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics, leading to one of the biggest box office flops of all time with an $8 million domestic opening against a $135-$180 million budget.
• Despite extensive promotional efforts including influencer events and celebrity endorsements from Anne Hathaway and Jane Fonda, the film failed to win over critics or audiences, highlighting Hollywood’s shock that Cruise was not “critic-proof.”
• Critics’ harsh assessments significantly impacted the film’s financial performance, with projections dropping steeply after reviews were published, underscoring the continued influence of professional reviewers in an era where studios try to circumvent them.
• Hollywood insiders are frustrated by the power of critics, as stars engage in softer promotional tactics like podcasts and social media, but “Digger” demonstrates that critical consensus can still make or break a major release.
• While critics have supported other uncertain films this year, “Digger” stands out as a rare example where negative reviews contributed to a high-profile failure, reaffirming the ongoing relevance of thoughtful film criticism.