Tom Cruise is gearing up to hit a jaw-dropping career milestone, and his next move is nothing like what fans might expect. The Hollywood icon is preparing to release his 50th film, Digger, a project that insiders say could mark one of the most surprising transformations of his entire career.
Set to arrive later this year, Digger will be Cruise’s 50th on-screen outing and his 10th time pulling double duty as both star and executive producer. While Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning was once expected to claim the milestone slot, it’s this unexpected collaboration with Oscar-winning director Alejandro González Iñárritu that’s now drawing serious attention across Hollywood.
Unlike the high-octane action spectacles Cruise is famous for, Digger reportedly leans into dark comedy with a sharp, multi-genre edge. Early buzz suggests the film pushes Cruise far outside his comfort zone, signaling a bold pivot at a point in his career when most stars play it safe.
New details about Cruise’s role have only fueled the intrigue. According to Deadline reporter Justin Kroll, who recently discussed the project on the My Mom’s Basement podcast, audiences may barely recognize Cruise on screen. The actor is said to be wearing heavy prosthetics, dramatically altering his appearance for the role. Rather than a straightforward comedy, insiders describe Digger as an unpredictable blend of tones designed to challenge audience expectations.
The official synopsis adds to the mystery, describing Cruise’s character as the most powerful man in the world who launches a frantic campaign to convince humanity he’s its savior—before a catastrophe he set in motion destroys everything. Cruise plays Digger Rockwell, a role said to echo the wild, unhinged energy of his scene-stealing turn as Les Grossman in Tropic Thunder. Iñárritu has reportedly told those close to the production that Cruise is about to “surprise the world.”
The intensity behind the camera appears to match what’s unfolding on screen. Co-star Riz Ahmed has described the experience as unlike anything he’s encountered before, praising Cruise’s relentless drive, focus, and positivity on set. Ahmed also singled out Iñárritu’s demanding vision, saying every day of filming felt like being part of something extraordinary and unpredictable.
Digger is scheduled to hit theaters on October 2, 2026, boasting a stacked cast that includes Jesse Plemons, Emma D’Arcy, John Goodman, and Sandra Hüller. As Cruise approaches his 50th film, the message is clear: he’s not slowing down—and he’s definitely not playing it safe.
