Warner Bros.’ final release before its upcoming merger with Paramount, the film "Digger," experienced a disappointing debut, signaling a significant financial setback for the studio. Released across more than 3,000 locations in North America over the weekend, the R-rated satire grossed approximately $8 million. The box office performance places the film on track to register losses estimated between $125 million and $150 million.
"Digger," which stars Tom Cruise under the direction of Alejandro G. Iñárritu, was positioned as a sharp critique of the billionaire class. The film’s production faced delays following an on-set injury to cast member John Goodman, contributing to an alleged overall budget approaching $150 million. With marketing expenses reportedly close to $100 million, the film’s commercial shortfall amplifies the extent of the studio’s financial risk. CinemaScore’s audience polling assigned the film a lukewarm grade of C, reflecting mixed reception from moviegoers.
The underperformance of "Digger" continues a challenging year for Warner Bros., which has yet to have any 2026 releases surpass the $100 million mark. Recent projects, including "Supergirl" and "The Bride," have also failed to achieve expected box office success, compounding the studio’s difficulties. This downturn contrasts sharply with Warner Bros.’ more prosperous period last year, marked by hits such as “Sinners,” “Weapons,” and the Oscar-winning “One Battle After Another.”
Industry observers note that the studio’s imminent transition under Paramount’s ownership could herald shifts in creative direction. The merger is expected to finalize on Tuesday. David A. Gross, a box office analyst, acknowledged Warner Bros.’ willingness to take creative risks with "Digger" but suggested that Paramount executives—including David Ellison, Josh Greenstein, and Dana Goldberg—may steer the studio toward projects with a different commercial profile, given Paramount’s lesser emphasis on large auteur-driven films.
In comparison, Amazon MGM’s psychological thriller "Verity" led the weekend box office with an estimated $33 million. Adapted from Colleen Hoover’s novel, the film represents the fourth such adaptation in two years by the streaming platform. Despite mixed critical reviews, "Verity" has resonated with audiences, particularly women familiar with the bestselling source material. The film, starring Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson, follows a struggling writer entangled in a dark mystery surrounding a renowned novelist left incapacitated after a car accident.
"Verity" also benefits from a controlled budget of around $40 million and has already earned an estimated $30 million internationally, positioning it for profitability. Moreover, the film marks Hathaway’s third theatrical release of 2026 to debut at number one, affirming her continued box office appeal.