Tom Cruise has long been Hollywood's ultimate action hero, but his upcoming film Digger promises something entirely different. Directed by Academy Award winner Alejandro G. Iñárritu, the movie casts Cruise as Digger Rockwell, an oil tycoon on a desperate mission to convince the world he's humanity's savior after causing a global catastrophe. The film also stars Riz Ahmed, Sandra Hüller, John Goodman, Jesse Plemons, and Michael Stuhlbarg.
In a recent interview with Collider's Steve Weintraub, Ahmed and Hüller shared their admiration for Cruise's work ethic and Iñárritu's unconventional approach to filmmaking. The pair described a set where experimentation was encouraged, and Cruise's dedication left them in awe.
Iñárritu's "Throw Paint at the Wall" Philosophy
According to Ahmed, Iñárritu didn't come to set with a rigid plan. Instead, he pushed his cast to explore and take risks. "He keeps pushing us to go further, to experiment, to throw paint at the wall," Ahmed said. "And when we hit it, we all knew." Hüller added that the director never labeled anything as "wrong" or "right," fostering a playful yet exhausting creative process that proved deeply inspiring.
That freedom allowed the actors to discover their characters organically, even when the script seemed daunting. Ahmed admitted he frequently wondered how Cruise and Iñárritu would pull off certain scenes, but the collaborative spirit made it possible.
Tom Cruise's Relentless Drive
Both actors were quick to praise Cruise's meticulous preparation. "His attention to detail is crazy," Ahmed said. He described how Cruise would juggle rehearsals for Digger with stunt work for a Mission: Impossible film, flying himself by helicopter between sets, running lines mid-flight, and practicing underwater stunts until 2 a.m. "He's relentless. It's inspiring," Ahmed added. "It's no mistake that he is who he is."
Hüller echoed that sentiment, noting that Cruise never seemed tired, no matter how demanding the schedule. "We talked a lot about what kind of coffee we drink, too, because I never saw him tired at any moment," she joked.
The Unique Challenge of VistaVision
The film was shot in VistaVision, a high-resolution format that adds a distinctive texture to the visuals. Hüller appreciated how it made each moment feel more precious, while Ahmed noted the camera's loud, mechanical sound. "You could really feel the film in the camera," he said.
For fans of Cruise's previous work, this project marks a bold departure. If you're curious about his past roles, check out why Lee Child vetoed a third Jack Reacher film. And for more on Digger, see our earlier coverage of the film's bold vision.
Digger hits theaters and IMAX on October 2.
