Tom Cruise’s Digger forecast to lose $245m at the box office

Tom Cruise’s film Digger could become one of Hollywood’s biggest box-office flops, with analysts forecasting losses of about $245m.

Ticket sales for the satirical black comedy fell by roughly 60% in its second weekend. The film has taken about $35m worldwide so far, against an estimated $280m production and marketing cost for Warner Bros.

Final gross and break-even estimates

Variety forecasts that Digger will finish its theatrical run with around $50m worldwide. The publication estimated that the film would need about $350m to break even, accounting for its budget, marketing, cinemas’ share of ticket revenue and a likely awards-season campaign.

A Warner Bros spokesperson gave Variety a lower break-even estimate of $300m. Both figures are well above the film’s current takings.

Cruise plays oil magnate Digger Rockwell. The film was directed by Alejandro G Iñárritu, known for Birdman, Babel and The Revenant.

Digger follows Cruise’s franchise hits

Digger’s weak performance contrasts with the recent success of Cruise-led franchise films, including new instalments of Top Gun and Mission: Impossible. Critics generally gave the film poor reviews, prompting Warner Bros to launch a campaign urging audiences to “decide for yourself”.

The film was the studio’s last standalone release before its recent takeover by Paramount. Other films estimated to have lost nine-figure sums include Cutthroat Island, The Adventures of Pluto Nash, Sahara, John Carter, Mars Needs Moms, Amsterdam, The 13th Warrior, The Marvels and Speed Racer.