Guillermo del Toro has publicly rallied behind Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s latest feature, Digger, responding to harsh criticism ahead of its theatrical release. The acclaimed director took to X to counter what he described as unfair coverage of the Warner Bros. R-rated black comedy.
“Entirely Petty headline,” del Toro wrote regarding a recent review. He praised the film’s “scale, ambition and reach,” asserting that it delivers a uniquely theatrical experience. Describing the project as “daring, bold and cinematically complex,” the director made his support clear: “Love it or not. And yes, I do.”
Del Toro also amplified positive feedback, including reviews highlighting Tom Cruise’s leading performance. Addressing the algorithmic nature of social media, he noted, “Funny, I go into the platform and without even scrolling down, these are popping at the top of my timeline… So… I will just keep posting them. Tune in or drop out.” He further encouraged audiences with the hashtag “Dig or Die.”
Defending the film against its detractors, del Toro drew parallels to movies that were initially panned but later rehabilitated by audiences, citing Coen Brothers’ The Big Lebowski, Martin Scorsese’s The King of Comedy, and The Counselor. He shared screenshots of past reviews to illustrate how critical consensus can shift over time.
Despite the director’s endorsements, the film is struggling commercially and critically. Digger holds a 51% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Variety chief film critic Owen Gleiberman criticized the movie for failing to deliver on its comedic promises, writing that it is “so full of itself — so top-heavy with importance.” Gleiberman noted the film’s production budget exceeded $125 million, calling the figure a testament to the “arrogance of the filmmakers” and questioning whether the “ponderous absurdist lecture” would justify the cost.
Box office results reflect the divided word of mouth. The film earned just $3.4 million domestically on Friday, with projections estimating an opening weekend total of only $7.5 million. This trajectory suggests Digger could become one of the year’s most significant commercial disappointments.
Tom Cruise also expressed his support on X on Saturday, stating he was “honored to have had the opportunity to create this film alongside such talented artists.” He thanked the cast and crew for their dedication, describing the production experience as “truly unforgettable.”
Big Lebowski was panned too. I’m giving Digger a chance, hoping history repeats itself on my side.
I respect Del Toro’s loyalty, but $125 million for a razzle-dazzle that bombs like this is alarming for the industry.
Tom Cruise in a black comedy? Now that is a casting gamble I didn’t see coming.