(Image source: Pinterest)
Tom Cruise's "The Digger" may not be the biggest box-office hit in theaters, but it has quickly become one of Hollywood's most talked-about movies. Its sky-high budget and sluggish ticket sales, along with sharply divided reviews, have repeatedly made headlines in recent days. Still, the film's supporters have not stopped spreading the word — and that group includes several of Cruise's Hollywood peers, with acclaimed filmmakers and A-list stars publicly rallying behind "The Digger."
(Image source: Anne Hathaway's Letterboxd)
Earlier, two of director Alejandro G. Iñárritu's close filmmaker friends, Alfonso Cuarón and Guillermo del Toro, were among the first to speak out. They reminded moviegoers that many classics were initially misunderstood or bombed at the box office before eventually earning critical reappraisal. Now, Anne Hathaway and other Hollywood heavyweights have joined the chorus of support.
Hathaway, who is set to star opposite Cruise in an upcoming sequel to "Days of Thunder", recently praised the movie on her Letterboxd account. She said she loved the film, describing it as witty, psychedelic, provocative, funny and ambitious. Hathaway encouraged audiences to give it a chance and decide for themselves, adding that, for her, it was a perfect 10.
(Image source: Jane Fonda's Instagram)
Oscar-winning screen legend Jane Fonda also posted an enthusiastic endorsement on Instagram. Fonda said she and her friends loved "The Digger" and saluted Cruise and Iñárritu. She recalled attending a 4:30 p.m. screening with friends and being delighted to find the theater nearly full. Calling the film compelling, courageous and deeply meaningful, she praised Iñárritu as a true cinematic artist and said the role revealed a daring new side of Cruise. In her view, taking on the character was an enormous risk, but Cruise delivered a remarkable performance with complete commitment. She also applauded John Goodman, Riz Ahmed and Jesse Plemons for bringing the same intensity to their roles. Fonda added that the movie tackles the climate crisis through an inventive and audacious approach, and she expressed hope that positive word of mouth would bring more viewers to the film. She concluded by celebrating the entire creative team and urging Cruise and Iñárritu to remain fearless.
(Image source: Glen Powell's Instagram)
Glen Powell, who appeared with Cruise in "Top Gun: Maverick," also shared his praise online. Powell wrote that audiences rarely get to experience something this overwhelming in a theater. He highlighted the movie's innovative visual spectacle, fearless performances and the uncompromising artistic vision of Cruise and Iñárritu, describing the result as pure cinematic entertainment that would stand the test of time.
(Image source: Ron Howard's X account)
Oscar-winning director Ron Howard followed with praise of his own, calling the film impressive on every level and applauding its twists, performances and creative choices. Howard said Cruise's work in "The Digger" deserved to be seen, considered and seriously discussed, describing the movie as a rare achievement packed with surprises. Michael Mann, who previously directed Cruise in "Collateral," similarly hailed the star's performance in "The Digger" as extraordinary.
With so many influential Hollywood figures throwing their support behind the movie, Cruise's long-shot chances of finally winning a competitive Oscar next year may have just received a small but meaningful boost.