Tom Cruise Reveals Why “Digger” Is Unlike Anything He Has Done Before

Tom Cruise has opened up about his unusual new role in Digger, describing the character and the film as unlike anything he has previously encountered during his long Hollywood career.

The actor was speaking at the London world premiere of the film, directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Alejandro González Iñárritu. The premiere took place at Leicester Square and was also a Royal Film Performance attended by Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales.

Cruise stars as Digger Rockwell, an enormously wealthy oil magnate whose attempt to prove himself humanity’s saviour becomes complicated by an environmental catastrophe that he helped unleash.

Cruise Calls the Character ‘Totally Outrageous’

Speaking to reporters at the premiere, Cruise described his character as unlike any role he had previously played.

“He’s the kind of character that says things that some people think, some ⁠people can’t imagine thinking,” Cruise said.

“I’ve never read a character like it. I’ve never read a film like this.”

The actor also described Digger as “totally outrageous”, reflecting the extreme nature of the character and the story surrounding him.

In another interview, Cruise described Digger as a “wild, crazy billionaire” whose greed leads to a disastrous mistake with potentially global consequences.

Cruise said the story explores themes including “power, greed, ego, responsibility, irresponsibility” while praising Iñárritu’s distinctive approach to the material.

‘I’ve Never Seen Anything Like It’

Cruise also used the premiere to praise Iñárritu, whose previous films include Amores Perros, Birdman and The Revenant.

“Alejandro, you are one of one, and I have so admired your films from the very first one. And to have the opportunity to work with you has been one of the great dreams of mine and a pleasure,” Cruise said.

He then offered a particularly strong assessment of what Iñárritu had created with the character.

“You’ll see, this character, what he’s created, I’ve never seen anything like it. I don’t know, his mind is just extraordinary.”

The comments underline the unusual nature of the collaboration between Cruise and Iñárritu, particularly because Digger represents a departure from the major action franchises that have dominated much of Cruise’s recent film career.

A Major Change for Cruise

Cruise is widely associated with action-driven roles, particularly Ethan Hunt in the Mission: Impossible series and Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in Top Gun: Maverick.

Digger, however, gives him a very different type of character.

The film is described as a dark political comedy centred on a powerful oil billionaire who becomes determined to save humanity after causing an environmental disaster.

Cruise recently told GQ that the role represented a major creative challenge and called it “the most challenging character ever.”

“It is the culmination of all my skills. I’ve never done it before,” he said.

He explained that the performance required attention to details including timing, rhythm, language and the physical aspects of the character.

Iñárritu Praises Cruise’s Performance

Iñárritu also spoke enthusiastically about working with Cruise during the premiere.

The director praised the actor’s energy and commitment to the demanding role, saying Cruise brought positive energy to the production every day.

“We all know how incredible actor he is, but I think for me the most surprising thing is, how generous, how the positive energy that he brought every day to the set,” Iñárritu said.

He added that Cruise’s enthusiasm was “contagious — it’s actually uncomfortable,” a remark that reportedly prompted laughter from the actor.

The director also highlighted Cruise’s precise control over his physical performance, voice, timing and delivery.

Royal Premiere in London

The Digger premiere attracted a large cast and an array of high-profile guests.

Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, attended the event, which also served as this year’s Royal Film Performance. The event was organised in support of the Film & TV Charity, with proceeds benefiting the organisation.

Cruise thanked the royal couple during his remarks.

“We want to thank the royal highnesses for supporting this event, and just to tell them that we love them and we really appreciate what they do for the arts, for this country and for the world,” he said.

The premiere was attended by several members of the film’s cast, including Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Sandra Hüller, Michael Stuhlbarg and Jesse Plemons.

Cruise Also Discusses Artificial Intelligence

The premiere followed another major appearance by Cruise in London, where he discussed the future of filmmaking and the growing influence of artificial intelligence.

During a conversation at BAFTA headquarters, Cruise acknowledged that AI would become increasingly important but argued that audiences would continue to value genuine human experiences.

“You know, it is coming and it’s going to happen. But people want to see real things,” Cruise said.

“People want that experience. They’re going to movie theaters. I always believe in humanity.”

His comments came as Hollywood continues to debate how artificial intelligence could affect actors, filmmakers, visual effects and other creative professions.

When Will Digger Be Released?

Digger is directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu and stars Cruise alongside Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Sandra Hüller, Michael Stuhlbarg and Jesse Plemons.

The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas internationally from September 30, with its North American theatrical release beginning October 2 through Warner Bros. Pictures.

For Cruise, the film represents a significant departure from the familiar action-hero roles that have defined much of his recent career.

With the actor describing the character as unlike anything he has previously read or seen, Digger is set to give audiences a very different side of one of Hollywood’s most recognisable stars.