Tom Cruise dazzled at the world premiere of his latest film, Digger, in London on Tuesday, where he was joined by Prince William and Princess Kate. Speaking at the event, Cruise described his portrayal of eccentric oil tycoon Digger Rockwell as a unique challenge, calling the character “totally outrageous” and unlike any role he has tackled in his 46-year career.
The actor explained that the character voices thoughts many people might harbor but would never dare express. He noted that the screenplay was unlike anything he had encountered before, requiring a significant physical transformation involving facial prosthetics, grey hair, and a padded bodysuit to inhabit the larger-than-life figure. According to he’s the kind of character that, things that some people think, some people can’t imagine thinking,” the Hollywood star told Reuters. “I’ve never read a character like it. It’s much better than if you (knew) before,” Huller said, adding that the secrecy was not intended to create intrigue for its own sake, if you experience the film without knowing anything about it.
However, Cruise emphasized that the physical makeup was not the most demanding aspect of the shoot. Instead, he highlighted a challenging 10-minute monologue that had to be captured in a single, uninterrupted take. Co-star Sandra Huller, known for her work in Anatomy of a Fall, called the performance “remarkable,” observing that the film seems to distill every lesson Cruise has learned throughout his extensive acting journey.
The production, which reportedly spanned nearly 10 years under the direction of Oscar-winner Alejandro G. Inarritu, has remained largely shrouded in mystery. While the plot involves an ecological disaster that nearly triggers nuclear war, the filmmakers have kept specific details under wraps to enhance the viewer experience. Cruise also addressed and dismissed rumors suggesting the film might be a musical.
Inarritu compared his filmmaking process to painting, stating that every frame was crafted to fully immerse the audience in the world of the story. Emma D’Arcy, who also appears in the project, described the filmmaker’s approach as being akin to a conductor leading an orchestra, noting that the rhythm and musicality of the comedy were essential to the final result.
Contributing to the evolving nature of the project, actor Michael Stuhlbarg recalled how scenes were constantly adapted on set, with new dialogue and unexpected additions emerging daily. He joked that the wealth of unused material might one day justify a supplementary DVD release, adding that the production process was filled with fun and creative spontaneity.
Beyond the technical craft, Cruise defined the film as an exploration of the complex tension between power, greed, and individual responsibility. Co-star Sophie Wilde noted that the project also serves as a meditation on art acting as a vessel for catharsis.
Digger is scheduled for a global cinematic rollout beginning on September 30. Audiences in both the United States and the United Kingdom will be able to view the film in theaters starting October 2.
