Cinema VinesLondon, Sept. 22 – Hollywood star Tom Cruise made headlines at the world premiere of his new film “Digger,” describing his role as “totally outrageous” and unlike anything he has played before. The star told Reuters that the character, eccentric oil tycoon Digger Rockwell, “says things that some people think, some people can’t imagine thinking.” Cruise added that he had never read a character or a film like this, and that the most demanding part of the job was a 10‑minute monologue shot in a single take.
The premiere, held at a London cinema, was attended by Prince William and Princess Kate, marking the culmination of nearly a decade of work by Oscar‑winning director Alejandro G. Inarritu. The film, which features Cruise with grey hair, facial prosthetics and a padded bodysuit, has generated buzz since a trailer revealed the actor’s transformation and the story’s premise: a careless billionaire’s actions trigger an ecological disaster that threatens nuclear war, forcing a frantic attempt to save the planet.
Director Inarritu, known for “Birdman” and “The Revenant,” likened the production to painting, saying each frame was crafted to immerse audiences in the film’s world. He praised the musicality of the project, noting that rhythm was essential in a comedy that balances “power and greed” with “responsibility and irresponsibility.” Actress Sophie Wilde added that the film also conveys a message about art as a vessel for catharsis.
Co‑star Emma D’Arcy said working with Inarritu felt like being part of an orchestra led by a conductor, while “Call Me by Your Name” star Michael Stuhlbarg recalled how scenes evolved daily, with new dialogue and unexpected additions. He joked that the sheer amount of unusual material shot might one day warrant a DVD of outtakes.
“Digger” will begin its global theatrical release on September 30, with cinemas in the United States and the United Kingdom opening on October 2. The film’s secrecy has fueled speculation, including rumours that it could be a musical, a claim Cruise has dismissed. The premiere’s star‑studded attendance and the director’s artistic approach promise a unique cinematic experience for audiences worldwide.
