John Goodman Blames Film Critics for 'Digger's Box Office Flop
The actor says negative pre-release buzz from critics contributed to the movie's poor performance.
John Goodman has attributed the box office flop of 'Digger' to negative pre-release buzz from film critics, stating it 'kinda killed us.' The movie, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, is considered one of the most costly studio flops in Hollywood history, despite receiving praise from some Hollywood celebrities including Neil Young, Mandy Patinkin, Anne Hathaway, Jane Fonda, and Ben Affleck.
According to reports, 'Digger' faced financial challenges, with its box office earnings reportedly being $49 million against a budget of $125–180 million. This contrasts with the confirmed figure of $15 million for its domestic box office debut. Critics gave 'Digger' a 53% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while audience ratings stood at 77%, indicating a disconnect between professional and public opinion.
The film, which explores themes related to climate change and features a significant plot twist, stars Tom Cruise as an oil tycoon and John Goodman as the U.S. President. Despite its critical reception, 'Digger' managed to garner some positive attention, with IGN rating it 6 out of 10 and praising its strong performances and humor.
However, the movie's financial performance was notably weak, with reported earnings far below expectations. This discrepancy highlights the impact of pre-release criticism on audience expectations and willingness to see the film. Additionally, John Goodman himself was affected by the box office failure, having suffered a hip injury during the film's production.
The UK premiere of 'Digger' took place in late October, with first reactions appearing on social media shortly after. The movie's release date was set for early October 2026, marking a significant event in the film industry's calendar.
What we know
- 'Digger' is one of the most costly studio flops in Hollywood history. 1
- Critics gave 'Digger' a 53% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. 124
- The movie received negative pre-release buzz. 13
- Digger is a climate change satire directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu. 34
- Domestic box office debut was $15 million. 1
- John Goodman was hurt by the box office failure of 'Digger'. 3
- Audience ratings for Digger were higher than critic ratings, at 77% on Rotten Tomatoes. 4
- Digger explores themes related to climate change and features a significant plot twist. 4
- Tom Cruise played an oil tycoon in 'Digger'. 14
- John Goodman portrayed the U.S. President in 'Digger'. 1
- Hollywood celebrities praised 'Digger'. 1
- IGN rated Digger 6 out of 10. 2
- Digger features strong performances and humor. 2
- Digger is described as a grand, unpleasant, and expensive movie. 3
- Digger's UK premiere was in late October. 4
- Digger's release date was early October 2026. 4
- John Goodman suffered a hip injury during the film's production. 4
What remains unclear
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Trust Score report
- likely
'Digger' is considered one of the most costly studio flops in Hollywood history.
71% · supported by 1 - unverified
Digger's box office earnings were $49 million against a budget of $125–180 million.
63% · supported by 2, contradicted by 1 - disputed
'Digger' cost more than $160 million to produce.
37% · supported by 1, contradicted by 2 - disputed
'Digger' did not cross $50 million in worldwide earnings after one month in theaters.
37% · supported by 1, contradicted by 2 - confirmed
Critics gave 'Digger' a 53% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
91% · supported by 3 - likely
The movie 'Digger' received negative pre-release buzz.
84% · supported by 2 - likely
Digger is a climate change satire directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu.
81% · supported by 2 - likely
'Digger' had a domestic box office debut of $15 million.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
John Goodman was hurt by the box office failure of 'Digger'.
68% · supported by 1 - likely
Audience ratings for Digger were higher than critic ratings, at 77% on Rotten Tomatoes.
66% · supported by 1 - likely
Digger explores themes related to climate change and features a significant plot twist.
66% · supported by 1 - likely
Tom Cruise played an oil tycoon in 'Digger'.
82% · supported by 2 - likely
John Goodman portrayed the U.S. President in 'Digger'.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
Hollywood celebrities such as Neil Young, Mandy Patinkin, Anne Hathaway, Jane Fonda, and Ben Affleck praised 'Digger'.
71% · supported by 1 - likely
IGN rated Digger 6 out of 10.
68% · supported by 1 - likely
Digger features strong performances and humor, according to IGN's review.
68% · supported by 1 - likely
Digger is described as a grand, unpleasant, and expensive movie.
68% · supported by 1 - likely
Digger's UK premiere was in late October, with first reactions appearing on social media shortly after.
66% · supported by 1 - likely
Digger's release date was early October 2026.
66% · supported by 1 - likely
John Goodman suffered a hip injury during the film's production.
66% · supported by 1
Sources & references
- Variety — John Goodman Says ‘Digger’ Was ‘Killed’ by Critics ‘Before We Even Opened’ and ‘It Hurt’
- IGN — John Goodman Says Digger Reviews 'Killed' the Movie Before It Was Released
- The A.V. Club — John Goodman blames film critics for burying Digger before its release: "It kinda killed us"
- CinemaBlend — Digger Took A Big, Bold Swing. John Goodman Thinks It Was ‘Killed’ Before It Even Opened
