Tom Cruise’s latest film, *Digger*, has struggled to attract moviegoers during its opening weekend, while *Verity*, starring Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson, has taken the lead at the North American box office.
‘Digger’ Delivers a Disappointing Opening
Directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, *Digger* earned approximately $8 million in North America and another $12 million internationally, bringing its worldwide opening total to around $20 million.
The result is a major setback for a film reportedly produced on a budget of at least $125 million, with some estimates placing the cost considerably higher. Its expensive production and marketing campaign could make it difficult for the studio to recover its investment through theatrical ticket sales alone.
The film's reception has also been mixed. Critics and audiences have expressed divided opinions about its unconventional satire, potentially limiting its appeal to a wider theatrical audience.
For Cruise, whose recent career has included several major box-office successes, the opening represents an unusually weak start for a leading role.
‘Verity’ Takes the No. 1 Position
While *Digger* has stumbled, Amazon MGM's psychological thriller *Verity* has enjoyed a stronger opening. The film earned approximately $32.6 million in North America, securing first place at the weekend box office.
Directed by Michael Showalter, the movie stars Dakota Johnson as Lowen Ashleigh, a writer hired to continue a book series for the mysterious author Verity Crawford, played by Anne Hathaway. The assignment leads Lowen into a disturbing world of secrets and uncertainty.
Based on Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel, *Verity* had a reported production budget of around $40 million. Its opening provides a more encouraging financial outlook, although its performance over the coming weeks will determine how well it holds audience interest.
Audience reactions have been mixed, suggesting that strong initial interest may not automatically translate into sustained ticket sales.
A Challenging Moment for Warner Bros.
The disappointing performance of *Digger* arrives at a significant moment for Warner Bros., as the studio approaches its planned transition under Paramount Skydance.
The film's weak debut raises questions about the commercial risks associated with expensive, unconventional projects, particularly when they struggle to connect with mainstream audiences.
Nevertheless, box-office results alone may not determine a film's long-term reputation. Some unconventional releases eventually build devoted followings among movie fans, even when their theatrical performances fall short of expectations.
What Happens Next?
The contrast between *Digger* and *Verity* highlights the unpredictable nature of the movie business. A major star and a substantial production budget do not guarantee box-office success, while an adaptation of a popular novel can attract a strong opening audience.
For *Digger*, the challenge will be generating enough interest to improve its financial prospects. For *Verity*, maintaining momentum beyond opening weekend will be crucial.
Both films now face the same test: whether audiences continue buying tickets after the initial excitement fades.
*Source note: Box-office figures and film details are based on reporting available on October 4, 2026.*
