From Deadline · Anthony D'Alessandro · · 3m
Tom Cruise's Digger Opens Low, Verity Tops Box Office
Tom Cruise's 'Digger' opens at $10M with lowest North American start in 19 years, while Colleen Hoover's 'Verity' leads with $32.7M worldwide.
In brief
Tom Cruise's 'Digger' opens at $10M with lowest North American start in 19 years, while Colleen Hoover's 'Verity' leads with $32.7M worldwide. Tom Cruise's 'Digger' opens at $10M, the lowest North American box office for a Cruise film in 19 years, while Colleen Hoover's 'Verity' earns $32.7M worldwide. Originally…
Digger's Box Office Start
Digger opened to $10 million at 3,321 theaters, the lowest North American box office for Tom Cruise since 2007's Lions for Lambs at $6.7 million.
Verity's Strong Debut
Verity earned $32.7 million worldwide with a $14.5 million Friday opening, becoming the second best box office start for a Colleen Hoover novel adaptation.
CinemaScore Comparison
Both films received a C+ CinemaScore, the worst for Colleen Hoover's novels, though Verity's 79% female turnout and 50% recommend rate stood out.
Digger's Audience Reaction
RelishMix metrics show Digger's audience score dropped from 8.1 to 6.4, with mixed-negative comments about the film's unclear plot and tonal identity.
Digger's Demographics
Digger attracted 60% of viewers aged 18-34, 73% male, and 51% Caucasian, with low overall recommend rates at 47%.
Verity's Marketing Strategy
Verity received Prime Video placements, including trailer drops during the Prime Steelers/Browns game and Amazon.com homepage hero spots.
Digger's Production Context
Digger was produced for $160 million by Amazon MGM Studios, a significant cost for an arthouse film, with a CinemaScore of C-.
Digger's Theatrical Performance
Digger played only 3,321 theaters, with 48% of its gross coming from coastal regions, and a strong showing in cities like Houston and Nashville.
Digger's Genre and Satire
Digger is a political absurdist satire, with critics noting it's unclear whether it's satire or self-parody, and comparisons to Kubrick's Dr. Strangelove.
Verity's Box Office Performance
Verity earned $32.7 million worldwide with a $14.5 million Friday opening, becoming the second best box office start for a Colleen Hoover novel adaptation.
Digger's Social Media Reach
Digger's social media reach across Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, and YouTube stood at 289.5 million followers before opening, -66% less than Mission: Impossible The Final Reckoning.
Digger's Theatrical Challenges
Digger's opening weekend grossed $8 million, with a 73% male audience and low overall recommend rates at 47%, indicating mixed audience reception.
Digger's Marketing Strategy
Digger's marketing included a trailer during the Prime Steelers/Browns game and Amazon.com homepage hero spots, targeting the Gen Z audience.
Digger's Financial Context
Digger's $160 million production cost is significantly higher than the $35 million production cost of Lions for Lambs, which opened at $6.7 million in 2007.
Digger's Theatrical Performance
Digger played 3,321 theaters with a $8 million weekend gross, 48% of its gross coming from coastal regions, and strong showing in cities like Houston and Nashville.
Digger's Overall Performance
Digger's opening weekend grossed $8 million, with a 73% male audience and low overall recommend rates at 47%, indicating mixed audience reception.
The one thing
Tom Cruise's 'Digger' opens at $10M, the lowest North American box office for a Cruise film in 19 years, while Colleen Hoover's 'Verity' earns $32.7M worldwide.
