Tom Cruise as an eccentric billionaire. Alejandro G. Iñárritu behind the camera. A $125 million satirical black comedy that critics are already calling one of 2026’s most controversial films. Digger is here, and everyone wants to know where to watch it.
If you are trying to figure out whether it is in theaters, available on streaming, or coming to Max, Netflix, or another platform, this guide has everything you need to know, updated for its October 2 theatrical release.
About Digger (2026)
Digger is a satirical black comedy directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind Birdman (2014) and The Revenant (2015). It is his first English-language film since The Revenant and his first studio comedy.
| Director | Alejandro G. Iñárritu |
| Screenplay | Iñárritu, Sabina Berman, Alexander Dinelaris Jr., Nicolás Giacobone |
| Lead Cast | Tom Cruise, Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Sandra Hüller, Jesse Plemons, Michael Stuhlbarg |
| Genre | Satirical Black Comedy |
| Distributor | Warner Bros. Pictures |
| Production Companies | Legendary Pictures, TC Productions |
| Release Date (US) | October 2, 2026 |
| World Premiere | London, September 22, 2026 |
| Running Time | 128 minutes |
| Rating | R |
| Budget | $125 million |
| IMAX | Yes |
| Cinematographer | Emmanuel Lubezki |
| Music | Cosmo Sheldrake |
The film follows Digger Rockwell, an oil tycoon and the most powerful man in the world, as he races to prove he is humanity’s savior before the ecological catastrophe he has unleashed destroys everything. The story has been described as part over-the-top satire and part somber commentary on corporate power, denial, and environmental collapse.
Iñárritu first conceived the character after finishing The Revenant in 2015. He described the project in interviews as a ten-year obsession. Discussions with Tom Cruise began in 2019 when Cruise was filming Top Gun: Maverick. Cruise had been a fan of Iñárritu’s work since seeing Amores Perros during its original 2000 release.
The film was shot at Pinewood Studios in the United Kingdom over six months, from November 7, 2024 to May 3, 2025, under the working title Judy. It was shot on 35mm film using the VistaVision format with Leitz Cine ELSIE lenses.
Emmanuel Lubezki, Iñárritu’s long-time cinematographer, served as director of photography. Filming was briefly halted for two days in March 2025 when John Goodman suffered a minor hip injury and was hospitalized.
Visual effects were provided by Industrial Light and Magic and Legacy Effects. The score was composed by British musician Cosmo Sheldrake, marking his feature film composing debut.
The title and a 50-second teaser were officially revealed in December 2025, set to the Gorillaz song “O Green World.” The full trailer, set to Talking Heads’ “Burning Down the House,” was released on July 13, 2026.
How to watch Digger in the US?
In Theaters
Digger is currently showing in movie theaters across the United States following its wide release on October 2, 2026. It is also available in IMAX.
The film had its world premiere at a London event on September 22, 2026, with early press screenings generating significant critical buzz ahead of opening weekend.
You can find tickets and showtimes through the platforms listed below.
| Fandango | fandango.com |
| AMC Theatres | amctheatres.com |
| Regal Cinemas | regmovies.com |
| Cinemark | cinemark.com |
| Marcus Theatres | marcustheatres.com |
| IMAX | imax.com |
Can I stream Digger?
No. Digger is not streaming on any of the available platforms. It is exclusively in theaters as of October 2, 2026.
| Max (HBO Max) | Not available |
| Netflix | Not available |
| Amazon Prime Video | Not available |
| Apple TV+ | Not available |
| Disney+ | Not available |
| Peacock | Not available |
| Hulu | Not available |
| Paramount+ | Not available |
Can I Rent or Buy Digger online?
No. Digger is not yet available for digital rental or purchase. VOD (Video on Demand) options typically open 30 to 45 days after a film’s theatrical release for major studio releases.
Given Warner Bros. is distributing the film, it is expected to land on digital platforms such as Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu during its VOD window. No official date has been set at the time of publication.
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When will Digger be available on streaming?
This is the big question, and the honest answer is: not yet confirmed.
Warner Bros. Pictures is distributing Digger. The studio has an established output deal with Max (HBO Max), which means Digger is widely expected to arrive on Max as part of its streaming window after the theatrical run concludes.
Under typical Warner Bros. release windows, streaming availability on Max tends to follow roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. But sometimes big-name movies get longer theatrical windows before heading to streaming, especially ones that land on IMAX.
Given that Digger is generating significant Oscar conversation and is an IMAX release, Warner Bros. may hold it in theaters longer before making it available digitally.
| Theatrical (US) | October 2, 2026 (now) |
| Digital VOD (Rent/Buy) | Approximately 4 to 6 weeks after release |
| Max (streaming) | Expected, but not officially confirmed |
| Physical (Blu-ray/DVD) | Typically 3 to 4 months after release |
Check Max and Warner Bros.’s official channels for the most up-to-date streaming announcement.
Is Digger on Max?
Not yet, but it is the most likely platform for Digger‘s eventual streaming home. Warner Bros. releases consistently move to Max as part of the studio’s standard output deal with the platform.
Previous Alejandro G. Iñárritu films have landed on streaming platforms over time. His Netflix-distributed Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths (2022) is currently available on Netflix. The Revenant (2015) and Birdman (2014) are available across multiple platforms including Max and Prime Video.
Is Digger on Netflix?
No. Digger is a Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures film. It is not expected to go to Netflix. The more likely streaming home, based on the studio’s existing deal, is Max.
Cast of Digger (2026)
| Actor | Character | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Tom Cruise | Digger Rockwell, a wealthy oil tycoon | Top Gun: Maverick, Mission: Impossible series |
| Riz Ahmed | Ganesh, a scientist and the President’s assistant | Sound of Metal, Rogue One |
| John Goodman | President Compson, the dictatorial US President | The Big Lebowski, Barton Fink |
| Sandra Hüller | Emma Rockwell, Digger’s sister | Anatomy of a Fall, Tár |
| Jesse Plemons | Kenny | The Power of the Dog, Killers of the Flower Moon |
| Michael Stuhlbarg | The Vice President | Call Me by Your Name, A Serious Man |
| Emma D’Arcy | Lina | House of the Dragon |
| Sophie Wilde | Supporting role | Talk to Me |
| Burn Gorman | Supporting role | Pacific Rim, The Dark Knight Rises |
| Robert John Burke | Supporting role | Robocop 3, Tombstone |
Tom Cruise plays Digger Rockwell, a man described as the most powerful in the world, who embarks on a desperate mission to prove he is humanity’s savior before the disaster he created destroys everything. It is a sharp departure from Cruise’s typical action roles and has generated significant early discussion around his performance.
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Digger (2026) Reviews and First Reactions
Digger had its world premiere in London on September 22, 2026. First reactions from critics at the premiere were sharply divided, which many observers had anticipated given Iñárritu’s reputation for bold, polarizing work.
| Critic / Publication | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Liam Crowley, ScreenRant | Called it “a masterpiece” and his “new top contender for Best Picture” |
| Jake Hamilton, Jake’s Takes | Named it his favorite film of 2026; compared it to Stanley Kubrick |
| Matt Negalia, Next Best Picture | Praised Cruise’s “most dynamic and interesting role in years” but called it “a hollow misfire” |
| Anne Thompson, critic | Called it “a brave and gorgeous art film” likely to play best for the Academy; predicted it will not score with mainstream audiences |
| Kristen Lopez, critic | Described it as “a very mixed bag” with an interesting concept that does not fully trust its audience |
| Hoai-Tran Bui, critic | Found things she liked alongside things she found “absolutely insufferable” |
| Mike Ryan, critic | Called it “generally unpleasant” |
| Scott Menzel, critic | Called the Iñárritu and Cruise pairing “engaging and one of a kind” |
Early consensus points to Digger being technically masterful, with strong performances from both Cruise and Riz Ahmed, while its satirical tone and unusual narrative structure are expected to split mainstream audiences and critics. One early reaction predicted it would receive a poor CinemaScore from general audiences despite strong Academy support.
Official aggregated scores on Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic were not yet available at the time of the world premiere. Check both platforms once wide critical reviews are published after October 2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch Digger?
Digger is currently in theaters. It is not yet available on any streaming platform, for digital rental, or for purchase.
Is Digger on Max?
Not yet. Given Warner Bros.’ output deal with Max, it is expected to arrive there after its theatrical window, but no official date has been announced.
Is Digger on Netflix?
No. Digger is a Warner Bros./Legendary Pictures film and is not expected to go to Netflix.
When does Digger come out on streaming?
No official streaming release date has been confirmed. Based on standard studio windows, digital VOD could arrive roughly 4 to 6 weeks after the October 2 theatrical release, with Max streaming to follow.
Is Digger available in IMAX?
Yes. Digger is being released in IMAX alongside its wide theatrical release.
Who stars in Digger?
Tom Cruise leads the film as Digger Rockwell, supported by Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Sandra Hüller, Jesse Plemons, Michael Stuhlbarg, Sophie Wilde, Emma D’Arcy, and Burn Gorman.
Who directed Digger?
The film was directed and co-written by Alejandro G. Iñárritu. He also served as a producer with Tom Cruise and Mary Parent.
How long is Digger?
Digger runs 128 minutes.
What is Digger rated?
The film is rated R.
Digger opened in theaters on October 2, 2026. This article will be updated as streaming and VOD availability is confirmed.
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