Tom Cruise has discussed his role in Digger, his approach to filmmaking and his continued commitment to theatrical cinema in a new GQ interview. The September 2026 feature also marks Cruise’s return to the U.S. edition of the magazine’s cover for the first time in two decades.
Key Takeaways
- Tom Cruise stars as oil magnate Digger Rockwell in Digger.
- Alejandro G. Iñárritu directs the upcoming film.
- Cruise discussed his filmmaking approach and expectations for collaborators.
- Cruise spoke about his preference for theatrical cinema as a communal experience.
- The GQ feature marks Cruise’s first U.S. edition cover for the magazine in 20 years.
Tom Cruise Discusses His Role in Digger
Tom Cruise stars as oil magnate Digger Rockwell in Digger, an upcoming film directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu. Cruise discussed the project during a September 2026 interview with GQ, providing details about his work on the film and his approach to taking on the role.
The interview places Digger at the center of Cruise’s latest film work. Rather than discussing only the character, Cruise also used the conversation to address his broader approach to making movies and working with filmmakers and collaborators.
The role of Digger Rockwell gives Cruise a different character to discuss as he prepares for the film’s release. The project is directed by Iñárritu, establishing a direct connection between Cruise and a filmmaker known for directing feature films.
Cruise’s participation in the GQ interview also connects the film to a broader discussion of his career as an actor and filmmaker. His comments covered both the production of Digger and his views on the moviegoing experience.
The discussion of Cruise’s latest project fits into the wider coverage of major actors appearing in upcoming films, including Hugh Jackman’s recent film premiere.
Alejandro G. Iñárritu Directs the Upcoming Film
Alejandro G. Iñárritu is directing Digger, with Cruise playing Digger Rockwell. The director and actor are therefore working together on the upcoming feature, which gives the project a central place in Cruise’s current film activities.
Cruise discussed his work with filmmakers as part of the GQ conversation. His comments included his expectations for collaborators and his approach to film sets.
The discussion provides production context for Digger without separating the film from Cruise’s own comments about filmmaking. His remarks focused on the standards he brings to movie production and the way he works with people involved in a project.
Cruise also addressed his reputation for being demanding on film sets. He said he expects a great deal from collaborators and makes those expectations clear before production begins.
Those comments provide a direct account of Cruise’s working approach. They also place his involvement in Digger within a discussion of the practical demands of making a feature film.
The director-led aspect of the project also connects with other coverage of major filmmakers and actors, such as George Clooney’s Venice film honor, which examined another major film figure’s work across acting and directing.
Cruise Details His Approach to Filmmaking
Cruise used the interview to discuss his approach to filmmaking and the expectations he sets for collaborators. His comments addressed the working environment on film productions and the level of commitment he expects from people working with him.
The actor also discussed his continued preference for theatrical cinema. He described movie theaters as a communal experience, distinguishing the shared setting of a cinema from watching a film independently.
Cruise said he has nothing against television or streaming. His comments instead focused on his preference for the theatrical format and the experience of seeing a film with an audience.
The distinction is relevant to Digger because Cruise is discussing the project while also explaining his position on the way films are presented to audiences. His comments connect his work on the new film with his stated preference for theatrical moviegoing.
The interview therefore covers more than Cruise’s performance in Digger. It also records his views on the production process and the viewing format he continues to favor.
Cruise’s Comments on Film Sets
Cruise addressed the expectations he places on people working on his film sets. He said collaborators understand those expectations before production begins.
His comments provide a direct explanation of his working methods rather than relying on outside descriptions of his approach. The discussion formed part of the wider interview surrounding Digger and his return to GQ.
Tom Cruise Returns to the GQ U.S. Cover
The September 2026 GQ feature marks Cruise’s return to the U.S. edition of the magazine’s cover for the first time in 20 years. The cover appearance accompanies the interview about Digger and Cruise’s filmmaking work.
The feature gives Cruise an opportunity to discuss his current film project while also addressing his approach to the industry. The U.S. edition cover adds a magazine-profile component to the coverage surrounding Digger.
Cruise’s return to the U.S. GQ cover is separate from the film’s role in the interview but forms part of the same September 2026 feature. The publication uses the interview to examine Cruise’s work and his views on filmmaking.
The timing connects the cover appearance directly with Cruise’s upcoming role in Digger. His comments about the film, production and theatrical cinema provide the substantive focus of the interview.
The feature also places Cruise back on a major U.S. magazine cover after a two-decade gap. His previous U.S. GQ cover was 20 years earlier, according to the September 2026 feature.
Digger Adds a New Role to Cruise’s Film Career
Cruise’s role as Digger Rockwell adds another character to his filmography through a project directed by Iñárritu. The actor’s September 2026 interview centers on the film while also covering his working methods.
The film gives Cruise an opportunity to discuss a specific character and production alongside his broader comments about filmmaking. His participation in the project is also the basis for his latest GQ feature.
Cruise’s comments about theatrical cinema provide additional context for the upcoming movie. He said he prefers the communal experience of watching films in theaters while making clear that his preference does not mean he is opposed to television or streaming.
The interview also documents Cruise’s expectations for collaborators. He said he is demanding on film sets and communicates those expectations before production starts.
Together, the comments provide details about Cruise’s involvement in Digger, his relationship with the filmmaking process and his preference for theatrical presentation. The September 2026 GQ feature brings those subjects together in a profile tied to his upcoming film.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tom Cruise’s role in Digger?
Tom Cruise plays Digger Rockwell, an oil magnate, in Digger. The film is directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu.
Who directed Digger?
Alejandro G. Iñárritu directs Digger. Tom Cruise stars in the film as Digger Rockwell.
What did Tom Cruise discuss in his GQ interview?
Cruise discussed Digger, his approach to filmmaking and his expectations for collaborators on film sets. He also spoke about his preference for theatrical cinema.
When did Tom Cruise last appear on the U.S. GQ cover?
The September 2026 feature marks Cruise’s return to the U.S. edition of GQ cover for the first time in 20 years.
What did Tom Cruise say about theatrical cinema?
Cruise said he prefers theatrical cinema because he views watching a film in a theater as a communal experience. He also said he has nothing against television or streaming.
