Brief
Digger projected to lose $245 million after steep box‑office drop
Variety estimates the film will finish with about $50 million worldwide, far short of its $260 million cost.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The Guardian reports that the eco‑fable Digger, starring Tom Cruise and directed by Alejandro G Iñárritu, is heading for an estimated $245 million (£185 million) loss, making it one of the biggest box‑office disasters in recent memory.
According to Variety, the film earned $8 million in its opening weekend in North America and $3.2 million in its second weekend, a 60% decline, leaving the domestic total at $14.4 million. The global gross stands at $35.3 million, with a projected final total of around $50 million.
Variety places production costs between $160 million and $180 million, up from the original $125 million budget, and adds $100 million spent on marketing plus a possible $15 million for awards‑season promotion, now likely to be reduced. A Warner Bros. spokesperson cited a $300 million break‑even point, implying a $150 million production spend.
The loss would put Digger alongside notorious flops such as Cutthroat Island ($222 million loss) and Mortal Engines ($224 million loss). Critical reaction has been split, with The Guardian’s chief film critic Peter Bradshaw calling it “an exasperatingly shallow, laborious, self‑congratulatory satire,” while Guardian Australia’s deputy culture editor Sian Cain described it as “a masterpiece.”
Warner Bros., which is preparing for a takeover by David Ellison’s Skydance, has tried post‑release advertising that quotes negative reviews, but the effort has not stemmed the decline.
Key facts
- Digger is projected to lose about $245 million. (theguardian.com)
- Second‑weekend North American revenue fell 60% to $3.2 million. (theguardian.com)
- Variety estimates production costs at $160‑$180 million and marketing at $100 million. (theguardian.com)
- Warner Bros. says the film needs $300 million worldwide to break even. (theguardian.com)
Sources
- [1] theguardian.com — originally reported as “Digger on course for $245m loss after box office collapse”
