Tom Cruise, the 64-year-old actor known for his daring approach to filmmaking, is set to star in a new film titled *Digger*, which is scheduled for release on October 1. Marking his first appearance on the cover of GQ magazine in two decades, Cruise spoke candidly about the project during an exclusive interview and photo shoot.
In *Digger*, Cruise plays the role of Digger Rockwell, an eccentric oil tycoon who attempts to prevent a catastrophe of his own creation. The film is described by Cruise as the most ambitious and challenging of his career, representing a culmination of his skills both on and off screen. He emphasized his willingness to take risks, both physically and artistically, noting, “Do I fear death? No. I don’t," and expressing a long-standing commitment to embracing life as an adventure.
The film is directed by Alejandro G. Inarritu, an Oscar-winning filmmaker known for *Birdman* and *The Revenant*. Alongside Cruise, the cast includes fellow Academy Award winner Riz Ahmed, German Oscar nominee Sandra Huller, and rising Australian actress Sophie Wilde. Inarritu characterized *Digger* as a satirical dark comedy that intends to offer a unique experience, stating that while the film may not appeal to everyone, it stands out for its originality and ambitious storytelling.
*Digger* arrives at a time when the Hollywood industry is experiencing a resurgence in box office success, partly fueled by unexpected hits in the horror genre such as *Backrooms* and *Obsessed*, the latter grossing over $500 million against a modest budget. Large-scale productions like Christopher Nolan’s *The Odyssey* and the latest *Spider-Man* installment—currently ranked among the highest-grossing films worldwide—have also contributed to revived audience interest in cinema.
Cruise, a longtime advocate for theatrical releases, reiterated his support for the communal experience of moviegoing even as streaming platforms have grown in popularity. “I have nothing against cable or TV or Netflix. I think it’s great,” he said. “But what I like about cinema is it is all of us coming together and sharing an experience.”
Although Cruise has recently been associated with blockbuster franchises such as *Top Gun* and *Mission: Impossible*, *Digger* represents a departure from his typical fare. He described the project as a leap of faith and reaffirmed his preference for challenging roles that push his boundaries both mentally and physically.
The feature, accompanied by a detailed interview and photo spread, will be available with the September 18 edition of GQ published alongside The Australian newspaper.