Actor John Goodman has stated that the critical reception to the film Digger may have negatively impacted its box office performance, effectively "killing" it before its release. Goodman believes that early negative press, with headlines predicting low earnings, gave audiences a reason to avoid the movie.
Digger, starring Tom Cruise, has become one of the year's significant box office failures. With a reported budget between $125 million and $180 million, the film has garnered only $49 million globally. This performance makes it unlikely to break even during its theatrical run or through home video sales, a surprising outcome for a film led by a star of Cruise's caliber.
Speaking on a podcast, Goodman, who co-stars in Digger, shared his perspective on the film's struggles. He noted that the movie's Rotten Tomatoes score, currently at 53%, positions it as one of Cruise's more divisive films and the lowest-rated in his filmography since 2017's The Mummy. Goodman expressed pride in the film, stating he enjoyed his experience making it.
IGN's review of Digger awarded it a 6 out of 10, acknowledging strong performances and humor but noting a lack of impactful satire regarding its message on global warming. The review suggested that while the film might not fundamentally change perspectives on the issue, it offered enough entertainment value to be worth seeing on the big screen, particularly for those with cinema subscription services.
Goodman defended the film's underlying message and maintained his support for it, even if it did not achieve universal acclaim. It remains to be seen whether Digger's performance will influence Cruise's future project choices, but those involved in the film continue to stand by their work.