But the big surprise this weekend was Tom Cruise’s Digger falling flat despite the longtime star’s box-office track record. Here are a few reasons why Hoover’s movie succeeded and Cruise’s expensive satire flopped:
Hoover’s Fans Came Through
The main draw for Verity is likely its source material. Hoover is wildly popular with millions of ardent followers. Digger has no such fanbase.
Reviews Didn’t Change Much
Surprisingly, Verity and Digger received an identical audience grade of C+, so it appears that Hoover fans came out regardless of critical response.
Digger’s Rough Start
Digger earned $8 million in theaters, which is not just Cruise’s worst opening in nearly twenty years, it’s one of the worst returns on investment for a big-budget film in recent memory. Estimates have Digger costing a whopping $125 million (at least), while Verity is reported to have a far more reasonable $40 million budget.
Why Star Power Fell Short
Cruise has a track record of big openings, but fans are probably looking for action-packed escapism with lots of stunts, not a satire about a super-wealthy man who destroys the environment.
Satire Wasn’t the Draw
There is a place in theaters for satires, but audiences might be looking for something else right now, especially when they can’t even be assured that there’s a punchline waiting for them.
An Awkward Final Release
Digger is Warner Bros.’ last big movie before it finishes merging with Paramount. That makes it an odd choice to be so dark and cynical. It’s hard to imagine that Warner Bros. would give audiences any sort of uplifting sendoff.
Good News for Theaters
Digger tanking doesn’t mean audiences aren’t going to the movies anymore. The domestic box office is looking mighty healthy in 2026. Currently, the box office total stands at $7.95 billion this year, up 19% compared to 2025.
Spider-Man Sets the Bar
Verity may have beaten Digger this weekend, but the bar is Spider-Man: Brand New Day. It’s the first movie to cross $950 million domestically.
