LONDON, 1 october, 2026 (News Desk): Hollywood star Tom Cruise takes on one of his most challenging roles in decades in the new dark comedy “Digger,” in which he portrays an ageing and embattled mining and oil tycoon confronting an environmental crisis. Directed by multi-Oscar-winning Mexican filmmaker Alejandro González Iñárritu, the film reportedly carries a budget of around US$130 million and explores themes including climate change, corporate greed, wealth and political hypocrisy. Moving away from his familiar action roles, Cruise appears almost unrecognisable as the powerful businessman, whose character is forced to confront his own conscience as well as growing criticism of his wealth and business practices. Cruise, 64, has described the role as one of the most challenging characters of his career. The film premiered in London on September 22, with early online reactions showing mixed responses to its dramatic performances and satirical treatment of the billionaire class and climate-change activism. Cruise has spent much of his career in major action franchises, most notably as Ethan Hunt in the “Mission: Impossible” series, as well as in “Top Gun: Maverick” and the “Jack Reacher” films. Film critic and author A.S. Hamrah said Cruise’s earlier dramatic roles, including “Magnolia” and “Eyes Wide Shut,” demonstrated a broader range of his acting abilities. Hamrah also suggested that working with Iñárritu could represent an opportunity for Cruise to explore a different kind of cinema. Cinema consultant Shawn Robbins said Cruise has previously shown a willingness to move beyond his established screen persona through films such as “Vanilla Sky” and “Jerry Maguire.” He described “Digger” as distinct from a conventional Tom Cruise blockbuster and suggested that the film could become part of the awards-season conversation. The movie also raises questions about how Cruise personally relates to its themes of environmental concerns, consumer behaviour and political contradictions, although his personal views on all of the film’s messages are not established by the role itself. “Digger” marks a significant departure from Cruise’s usual action-oriented projects and places greater emphasis on satire, character development and contemporary social issues.